From the Floors Up

Which Driveway Is for You?

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Your curb appeal is made up of a complex formula containing many intricate details. Your siding, windows, plants, lawn, and driveway all can influence your home’s exterior. Functionality and aesthetics can both play a significant role in what driveway you choose. Your driveway is the first interaction most people will come in contact with when visiting your home, and not all driveways are created equal. Selecting from some of the many options available may seem like a daunting task at first because most homeowners do not replace their driveways very often. However, when the time comes, you may need to refinish or replace your driveway. Discover the pros and cons of different driveway options so you can best choose a selection that is best suited for you.

Asphalt 

PROS 

Asphalt is a more durable compound than stamped concrete or gravel. Many homeowners use asphalt in colder regions. This is because it is highly salt resistant, easy to remove snow, and slip-resistant. 

CONS 

Asphalt is a very common driveway material, and because of its frequency, it has a low curb appeal feel. It is not resistant to oil stains, yet its dark nature can hide some stains. While being durable, when it breaks down, it is no easy task to repair. 

Stamped Concrete 

PROS 

Stamped concrete is very attractive and will help enhance the exterior look of your home. It is very durable as well. By switching from poured concrete to stamped concrete, your driveway will also be oil-resistant. While not as convenient as asphalt, you will still be able to remove snow fairly easily from your driveway. 

CONS 

If your stamped concrete driveway does crack; however, it is not an easy repair. It is one of the least slip-resistant driveway options as well. Also, to be noted, if you live in an area that treats driveways with salt, it can damage your driveway in the long run. 

Gravel 

PROS 

Gravel will be your most cost-effective route to creating your driveway. It is extremely easy to repair, and you will not have to be concerned with slipping. Also, if you salt your driveway, you should have no concern.  

CONS 

While salting your driveway is easy, plowing and shoveling will not be. The driveway is one of the least durable options and lowest on curb appeal. 

When selecting a driveway material, weigh out the pros and cons. If you are looking to get your driveway done at the most affordable price, gravel is your best option; however, if you are looking to get more durability and longevity from a driveway, consider stamped concrete or asphalt as an alternative method. For more insight on home improvements, make sure to subscribe.  

How to Remove Stains from a Concrete Driveway

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Concrete driveways can really increase your home’s curb appeal. They are durable, functional, and very visually appealing. However, this porous surface is susceptible to staining. Whether you spill something or a car leaked in your driveway, that stain can become an eyesore. Trying to remove it can even seem impossible at times. Well, to help, there are a couple of tricks you can apply to your driveway to make the stain disappear. Let’s take a look!

Oil and Grease 

First, you will need to identify the stain on your driveway or sidewalk. Oil or grease stain can penetrate deep and are best treated sooner than later. Get a degreaser and spray it onto your stain. You can use a bristled brush to really scrub your degreaser into the pavement. Allow the degreaser to sit for a little bit of time, and spray your driveway down with an even coat of water using a hose. Next, hook up your pressure washer and attach your concrete cleaning detergent. Use your pressure washer to evenly wash the driveway. Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the leftover detergent. 

Paint 

If you notice you have stained your driveway with paint, apply a paint thinner, and allow it to sit and break down the paint. You can use a damp cloth to scrub and remove excess paint. First, spray your driveway down with water. Hook up your pressure washer with your concrete cleaning detergent. Be careful not to use too strong of a tip because this can etch and damage your concrete. Next, spray the area back and forth until the stain is completely gone.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove any remaining detergent. 

Rust, Leaf Stains, and Common Muck 

These common stains are much easier and will not need as much prep work. Simply apply your concrete detergent to the stained areas, and wet down the driveway using your hose. After, hook up the pressure washer and spray back and forth with the spray wand.  Allow the detergent water to sit for a little bit but do not allow detergent to dry. Lastly, unhook your hose and spray down your driveway to remove the detergent. 

You may need to work in smaller sections so the detergent never dries since this could lead to streaking. If the stains remain, add detergent again directly to each stain and scrub with a brush. To prevent future stains, consider adding a sealer to your concrete driveway. For more household tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe. 

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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