Fall Maintenance Series #6: Clean and Seal Driveways and Sidewalks

In Erie, Pennsylvania, we’ve all experienced a time when we’re driving down the road watching the car in front of us quickly swerve and thinking “are they drunk or texting?” only to hear a loud THUNK. We feel our soul hover above our body for a brief moment while we process the pothole (or crater?) we’ve just hit. After a glance in the rearview mirror and a quick prayer of thanks that no major car parts are laying in the road behind us, we begin our vigilant watching and swerving as the brave soldier ahead of us had been doing.

It's no secret that we live in an area with harsh winters. To protect driveways and sidewalks from the fates of our roadways, consider a little fall cleaning and maintenance.

Fall temperatures are ideal for cleaning and sealing driveways and walkways, which will give an added layer of protection and help ensure longevity and durability. As water seeps into cracks and crevices, freezing will cause molecules to expand which worsens existing damage. In addition, if water is not draining properly from your driveway, it can make its way below ground and can threaten the integrity of your home’s foundation.

Take the time to inspect your driveway and walkways for cracks and damage and make any necessary repairs. Once repairs have set, you must pressure wash the areas to remove dirt, stains, algae, and debris. For tougher grime, consider using a gentle cleaner.

Try to plan ahead by watching the forecast. An ideal time to clean and seal your driveway and sidewalks would be when ambient temperatures are 50°F or above and there is no rain forecasted for at least 24 hours.

Still have questions? Reach out to us by phone (814) 460-3333 or email at info@lakeeffectpropertysolutions.com, or drop us a form on our website. For additional information or ideas for future tips and tricks, send us a message on Facebook or Instagram.

#6 - Clean and seal driveways and sidewalks