The winter months in Vancouver are rather unpredictable – sometimes the rain comes early and gives us a lot of snow, while other times the temperatures don’t go below freezing point, and cause a lot of rain. So, as winter approaches Vancouver, it’s important to pay attention to the condition of your driveway.
The icy roads and snowy weather can take a toll on your driveway’s appearance and functionality. This year, we’ve already been exposed to plenty of frigid temperatures, slick ice, bitter winds, and deep snow. Our driveways get exposed to these elements all season long, and weeks upon weeks of winter weather can really do a number on your surface.
In this blog post, we will discuss the significance of driveway cleaning, especially during the winter season, and provide you with some valuable tips and techniques to keep your driveway clean and well-maintained.
The Importance of Driveway Cleaning
Winter in Vancouver brings challenging weather conditions, including freezing temperatures and precipitation. As a result, roads and driveways become slippery, making it crucial to maintain a clean and safe driveway.
Here are some key benefits of regular driveway cleaning:
- Safety: A clean driveway reduces the risk of slips and falls. Removing debris, snow, and ice helps create a safe passage for pedestrians and vehicles.
- Preventing Damage: Dirt, leaves, and other debris can accumulate on your driveway over time. This build-up can lead to cracks, potholes, and other damage. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues and prolongs the lifespan of your driveway.
- Curb Appeal: A clean and well-maintained driveway enhances the overall appearance of your property. It creates a positive first impression for visitors and potential buyers, boosting the curb appeal of your home.
- Effective Snow Removal: Before tackling snow removal, it’s important to have a clean surface. A clear driveway allows snowplows and shovels to work more efficiently, making the task easier and faster.
Driveway Cleaning Tips in Greater Vancouver
Now that we understand the importance of driveway cleaning, here are 3 expert techniques to keep your driveway clean and safe:
Remove Stubborn Grease Stains
The first step to winter driveway maintenance is getting your surface clean. The type of driveway (concrete or asphalt), as well as the type of stain you’re trying to remove, play a role in determining the best way to clean a driveway.
Remove stubborn stains using the following methods. For asphalt driveways, sprinkle generous amounts of baking soda on the oil stain, and add a bit of water to make it a paste. Brush the stain using a circular motion until the stain begins to come up. For concrete driveways, rub some cat litter into the stain and let it sit for an hour or two before wiping it. The absorbent litter will soak the stain right up.
Get Rid of Rust Stains
While not an issue on black asphalt driveways, rust is an eyesore on concrete—and happens can stain as quickly as overnight. If you have rust stains on your concrete, pour some cola direct from the bottle or can onto the stain and let it sit. By the time the next Vancouver rain showers hit the surface, the stains will be gone.
Pressure Wash Your Driveway
Get started by picking up fallen branches and sweeping away leaves and other debris. Once you’ve removed sticks and leaves, it’s time to give your driveway a good wash.
Just remember, mildew tends to thrive in cooler, damper climates. So, it’s important to maintain your driveway surface in the winter months. Take advantage of the “off-season” to pressure wash your driveway. Remove the grime, mildew, and mould buildup on your concrete or asphalt, and keep your driveway damage-free.
Pressure washing requires a certain level of skill and technique to ensure it’s being done correctly. Leave it to us to take care of your driveway and get it cleaned. Stay warm and dry indoors, and let our expert technicians, trained to work in all seasons, make your home look beautiful.
Keep Weeds Out of Cracks
Now that your driveway looks clean, it’s important to make sure the cracks on the pavement don’t become a warm space for weed growth and other debris. Seal up any cracks you might have. If you need help with sealing, our experienced technicians are happy to give you a hand. Simply contact us and we’ll give you a custom quote as well.
Now that you have insider knowledge of how you can clean and maintain your driveway during the winter months, it’s time to get started. Just remember that caring for your property’s exterior is hard work. Not only is it a time-consuming project that requires a lot of specialized equipment, but it’s also a very physically demanding task. This is why it’s best to leave it up to experienced property cleaning services to provide your pressure washing services for you.
At Umbrella Property Services, we are more than just a property maintenance service; we can deliver health and safety checks, downspout checks, and condition inspections for your home exterior. Take away the hassle and safety risks of taking on these property maintenance tasks yourself and get a quote for our house exterior cleaning services here in the Greater Vancouver Area.
