Exposed aggregate driveways look aesthetically pleasing and add a spark of character to any living space. Besides, their functionality further makes them a top choice for many households, allowing you to notch up your living space’s uniqueness without overspending your budget.

Concrete driveways in Melbourne are essential as they offer a robust, weather-resistant, and non-slip surface that requires minimal maintenance throughout the year. This option is particularly beneficial for busy households that want to look sophisticated without the burden of regular cleaning and expensive polishing treatment. That said, creating a dedicated routine will yield incredible ROI to maintain the driveway’s longevity.

Here are three simple yet effective maintenance tips to follow:

1. Clean With Care

The most effective and simple way to maintain an exposed aggregate driveway is to regularly sweep and rinse it. This prevents dirt and dust from settling on the surface for extended periods.

But if your driveway has been exposed to oil leaks or has sustained tyre marks, taking prompt cleaning action will prevent staining or structural damage.

Using a pressure washer and mild industrial-standard degreasers, grime deposits can be removed to any extent. If scrubbing of any degree is required, consider using a soft scrub while applying minimal pressure.

2. Tackle Stains As Soon As Possible

Stains on the driveway are a nightmare. They rob the beauty of the exposed aggregate layout, making a homeowner feel conscious of the affected area whenever using the approach area. Due to this, prompt action can be a lifesaver whenever you are faced with a staining issue.

Many concreters in Melbourne recommend using high-quality sealant on your exposed driveway initially to prevent elements like oil or grease from leaving behind stain marks. As this layer is made from durable materials like silicone, they prevent stain-causing elements from entering the grout of the aggregate layers.

2. Avoid Using Strong Chemicals

It may seem wise to use harsh cleaning or deicing chemicals to keep the exposed aggregate driveaway clean throughout the year, but this move can severely damage the surface and layer structure.

Harsh chemicals, such as strong acids, alkalines, or degreasers, will destroy the protective coating and the aggregate itself, making the driveway vulnerable to sudden weather changes.

It will destroy the layers and render them incapable of tackling everyday vulnerabilities. These substances also severely erode the bonding agents, jeopardising the driveway’s aesthetics and functionality.

Bottomline

Exposed aggregate driveways have a robust and sophisticated charm that makes them the ideal fit for homeowners who want their outdoors to reflect their sense of style. These driveways look stunning and can be maintained easily for years with minimal care.

While regular cleaning is a must, prompt action to stain removal is equally important to prevent elements like grease and grime from entering the layers. Besides, if faced with a challenging situation like hard stains or rigid tyre marks, it is best to avoid using any harsh chemicals and instead use practical methods to gently remove the stain.