On the Surface - Drives, Walks, and Patios
Most driveways are made of asphalt, concrete, or crushed stone. All types benefit by keeping water from undermining them. Direct downspouts and yard drainage so that it will not run under the edges of driveways. Fill any voids or cavities next to driveways with compacted dirt.
Asphalt driveways should be sealed with a top coating of driveway sealer every two years. Mix some of the sealer with sand to fill minor cracks that may have formed and then brush the sealer over the surface of a cleaned driveway. Gasoline or oil dripped on asphalt driveways can damage them as well as being unsightly.
Concrete driveways can benefit from a water-proofing chemical treatment which willlessen water penetration. Keep driveway and street apron joints filled with swimming pool caulk. Do the same for expansion/ contraction joints. Fill small shrinkage cracks with an aerosol caulk and fill larger cracks with swimming pool caulk or with a patching mortar.
Apply a mineral solvent to grease and oil stains from cars. They can be cleaned on asphalt or concrete driveways by sweeping portland cement over the stain. Once the bulk of the stain is absorbed into the cement, the remainder can usually be scrubbed up with a cleanser and water solution.
Don’t allow sidewalks or patios to hold or deliver water against a foundation. Caulk house/ patio joints with swimming pool caulk and place pipes under sidewalks that trap water behind them. Keep the mortar grouting well-maintained between pavers or flagstone so that water can’t get beneath these materials. Have loose materials reset. Bounce a golf ball off materials and listen for a hollow sound to detect loose pieces.
Never use salt to remove ice from slippery surfaces. The chemical reaction of the salt melting the ice may also destroy the surface of walks, patios, or driveways.