The summer season brings hot, dry weather that can be tough on concrete surfaces. If you’re looking for ways to protect your concrete installation during this time of year, keep reading to discover four tips for maintaining your driveway in the summer.

Use a Protective Sealant

Applying a protective sealant can help lessen some of the sun and heat damage that your driveway experiences in the summer. Due to heat and temperature fluctuations during summer months, concrete driveways can expand and contract, leading to cracks, sinking, and other issues.

However, applying a protective coating helps prevent cracks and fissures from forming. You can also use sealants to prevent other common issues, such as staining and mildew growth. You don’t even need to apply a sealant every year; these coatings usually last two to three years, depending on the application.

Check for Cracks

While protective sealants can help prevent cracks, driveways can still experience cracks and fissures, especially during summer. Surface-level cracks are more common and don’t usually indicate structural damage. However, if you start to notice cracks and fissures that are a half inch apart or more, contact your local concrete repair service as soon as possible. Deep cracks like these can signal structural damage and greater problems beneath the surface. Lack of moisture and shrinking or expanding soil conditions can exacerbate these cracks, so address them quickly.

Watch for Pooling Water

Cracks aren’t the only signs of driveway damage to watch out for. Pooling water can also be a sign of shifting earth beneath your driveway and erosion issues. If water pools on your driveway for extended periods after a summer rainstorm or sprinkler session, this could be a sign of issues beneath the surface. Address pooling water quickly by contacting your concrete company and scheduling repairs so the issues don’t spread to other parts of your installation.

Address Stains Immediately

Your driveway can accumulate various stains and marks during the year, and many of these stains come from summer activities. Oil, gasoline, grease, and other stains are common in summer, whether from driveway car maintenance or a barbecue. When you notice stains like these, address them immediately. The longer you let a grease or oil stain sit, the more likely it will leave a permanent mark. Sealing your driveway can also help prevent stains from setting in.

As you practice these four tips for driveway maintenance this summer, you’ll need a team of concrete experts to help with sealants and repairs. If you’re looking for concrete driveway services in Montgomery County, TX , trust Green Coast Construction for all your service needs.