Summer's the time to boost curb appeal
It's best to address driveway, garage door maintenance when the weather is warm
Is your driveway looking a little tired? Is it starting to crack and fade? A worn-out looking driveway can tarnish the curb appeal of your home. Unfortunately, most homeowners put off repairs until issues start to appear, like water drainage issues. And what about your garage door? Is it old, making strange noises? It could be time to replace that too! Upgrading your driveway and garage door will add to the curb appeal of your home and summer is the perfect time to address these issues.
Driveways and pathways around your home should always be sloping away from your home, just like the grading around your home. If you notice water pooling around your home then this could be a sign your grading needs attention as this water could end up in your garage or basement, causing a leak and more issues.
COMMON TYPES OF DRIVEWAYS
The most common types of driveways are asphalt, interlocking stone and concrete (or stamped concrete).
Asphalt is the least expensive and performs well. Asphalt driveways should be at least two inches deep with a six to eightinch gravel base to ensure that cracking and pitting do not occur.
However, I recommend they should have a minimum of 10 inches of gravel tamped every two inches — followed by a minimum of four inches of asphalt on top.
The thicker the stone base, the stronger the driveway will be — l like to go thicker because I have a lot of heavy vehicles, so it pays to have a strong driveway.
I also like interlocking stone. The gaps between the stones allow for water drainage and natural expansion and contraction of materials, which prevent buckling or cracks. If you do have cracked stones just pop them out and replace them with your extra stones and a bit of sand.
Concrete is typically the top choice as it is really durable, but it's expensive. Salt and de-icers can be quite corrosive on concrete when there is improper drainage.
Concrete driveways are a standard four inches deep, while five inches is recommended for heavier vehicles. If you are starting to see cracks, there are some great DIY concrete repair kits on the market.
WHAT IS A TRENCH DRAIN?
If you are having trouble with drainage you could consider adding a trench drain. These drains help manage water run-off.
Older driveways may just have a slight divot in the downslope but modern trench systems come with a top grating, which prevents debris from entering and blocking the drain.
Using a sealant will make your driveway look better and last longer. Find a breathable, high-quality sealant that's right for whatever material your driveway is made of.
SEALANTS
The best time to reseal your driveway is midsummer and most pros recommend once every three years. It's hot — so it dries faster — but the heat also allows the sealant to penetrate better.
If you have an asphalt driveway use a latex sealant — not oil. Last summer, I added a latex sealant over my entire driveway. It took a few hours and 24 hours to dry! This is a great way to extend the longevity and appearance of your driveway. Have a few cracks? Address these now using a DIY product for small cracks. Eventually, you will have to replace the entire driveway, but good maintenance will help you get the most out of your asphalt driveway.
Concrete driveways can also benefit from sealants. There are some easy to use, low VOC and low-odour products available that will improve the appearance and durability of the driveway.
UPGRADING YOUR GARAGE DOOR
Replacing an old garage door will improve your curb appeal. It's one of the first things people will see when they walk up to your house. Your garage door probably just needs some lubricant and adjusting, but I recommend a service call from a pro.
They are specially trained to check all the mechanics and sensors. I recently learned that there are thousands of accidents each year due to faulty garage doors and because homeowners think they can fix it themselves! It pays to be safe.
Take this opportunity to give your garage a good clean out. Regular sweeping and washing will keep your garage floor clean, but, to prevent staining and to make maintenance easier, consider applying a concrete sealant or an epoxy resin.
To help you get organized, add some open and closed shelving, bike racks or hooks, or a custom organization system.
Summer time is a great time to be outdoors and to spend time in and around your house. Maintaining, repairing or upgrading your driveway and garage area will give you a sense of pride knowing you've added to your home's curb appeal.