Driveway Ideas - How to Have & Keep a Spotless Cement Driveway

The least babied of all home surfaces has got to be the American driveway. The most commonly installed driveway surface, made of gray-toned concrete, is a beautiful sight when it's brand new. Then comes life, and before long, sidewalk chalk and oil leaks have given your driveway personality. But with a little effort, you can restore your concrete driveway's new appearance and protect it from future dirt and stains.

Driveway Drainage Problems?

If rain sits in puddles on your driveway instead of running into the street, your concrete has settled into an insufficient foundation. You'll want to consult a concrete driveway professional to discuss your options. Your driveway should slope upward from the road ¼ inch for every foot in length. A 40-foot driveway should be 10 inches higher at the garage than at road level.

Removing Oil Stains

Sidewalk chalk washes away with a good rain, but oil stain removal takes some work. DIYers might try this two-step method: Sprinkle cat litter or fresh sawdust on the oil stain and let it sit for two days before sweeping away. This will remove surface grease. Then, dust the stain with a layer of dry cement powder and let it sit for two more days to absorb the deeper layer of oil. Be sure to check the weather before you do this. If rain mixes with the cement powder, you could end up with a permanent cement patch. Sweep powder into a bag and dispose. You can also purchase oil-removal products designed for concrete, but these can possibly work too well - you'll be trading black blotches for clean white ones.

Power Washing

The most effective way to uniformly clean your cement driveway is to have it power washed. A professional will use the right equipment, water temperature and cleaning product to remove dirt and stains. The Power Washers of North America can help you locate contractors near you.

Seal the Concrete Surface

One pro of a concrete surface is that it is extremely durable. The downside is that it is also very absorbent. Sealants should keep your clean driveway looking great for a long time. Some sealants penetrate the surface to give invisible stain protection. Others provide a surface barrier while also giving a glossy sheen, much as if the driveway were wet. Still other options can enhance the plain gray, such as tinted concrete stains. These stains are available with or without protective barriers.

The appearance of your driveway creates an impression about your home and way of life. A well-kept driveway invites people into your home and can add value to your home investment. How does your driveway shape-up? To find out, take the curb appeal test. Step out to your curb and take a long look at the front of your home. In addition to making sure the grass is green (in season) and the front door is warm and inviting, pay special attention to the state of your driveway. If your house doesn't tell anyone that is driving by that it has been well maintained, invest in turning that around. With mortgage rates at historic lows, a home refinance could provide the extra cash you need to make those needed updates. With a little hard work, your home can make a great first impression - and a great first impression can go a long way when it comes time to sell your house.