Driveway Stone Maintenance: Dos and Don’ts and When to Call a Professional
A driveway that is paved with natural stone, such as granite, limestone, or quartzite increases the curb appeal of the home. This is not only aesthetically pleasing for the homeowner, but is also practical, functional, and increases the value of the property.
If you are considering investing in natural stone, or currently have natural stone in your driveway, it is important to know how to care for this investment. Natural stone is an exceptionally durable and visually pleasing material that must be maintained for its preservation. Not caring for your natural stone can result in costly damages that may require professional attention.
The following guide will discuss the best types of natural stone to use in your driveway and provide homeowners with the information needed for proper maintenance. We will also examine the issues that can arise and when it is best to leave repairs to a stone professional.
Homeowners Choose Natural Stone
There are many reasons, in addition to visual appeal, that homeowners are choosing natural stone for their driveways. These include:
- Durability- Natural stone is more durable than concrete because it is laid individually. This means that the weight of your vehicle is more evenly distributed, and the surface of your driveway is less likely to crack.
- Longevity- Natural stone that is well-maintained can be expected to last long beyond your lifespan.
- Visual Appeal- In addition to curb appeal, the visual beauty of a natural stone is versatile and allows for countless options, including materials and color options.
The most common natural stone used in driveways include:
- Granite
- Limestone
- Quartzite
- Travertine
- Sandstone
These are durable stones that are fairly easy to maintain with proper care. Ask a specialist for more information about the types of stone pavers that are available.
Stone Cleaning Basics
It is important to the integrity and lifespan of your natural stone to properly clean the surface on a regular basis. This is true for new or existing stone. Regular cleaning is crucial to avoid stains. Typically, all you need to clean any type of natural stone is a soft mop or sponge, a bucket of water, and a mild soap that was specifically designed for these surfaces.
Never use acidic products or other cleaners that contain harsh chemicals on your stone driveway. This is never a good idea and will only damage the construction of the stone. It is also unwise to leave large amounts of water on the surface when cleaning. Always mop up excess water.
Be sure when cleaning your driveway to clean the grout. This will prevent the need for deep cleaning.
You should also clean up any spill as soon as it is noticed. Doing so will prevent permanent staining.
Protect Your Stone from the Elements
Stone that is outdoors, in the driveway, or an outdoor patio, must be sealed regularly. This is because it is at a higher risk of damage from the elements. Unsealed stone will absorb water stone deep within its surface. Regular sealing can avoid these issues, as well as the potential for discoloration and damage from inclement weather.
Professional Services May Be Required
There are occasions when it is best to leave issues with your natural stone to the professionals. This is best to ensure that the job is done correctly and avoid any further damages. Never try to correct these issues on your own or you are likely to worsen the severity of the damage.
Cracks and Stains
You should examine your driveway often for signs of stains or cracks. Oil is notorious for causing frustrating stains on stone surfaces. If you spot any spill clean it immediately with soap and water. If a stain is particularly difficult you may need professional tools to remove it. Never use any harsh chemical in an attempt to remove a stain. This will only further threaten to destroy your stone.
Cracks can damage the integrity of your stone. Never use a home department store product to fill in a crack. This will not look visually appealing or provide functionality.
General Maintenance
Many homeowners choose to utilize the services of professional stone experts to perform the general maintenance of their stone driveways. This includes basic cleaning, resealing, and repairs. It is important to choose contractors who are qualified and experienced in caring for numerous types of natural stone surfaces.
Stone Restoration
Some homeowners are discovering that their home purchase has an outdoor patio and/or driveway made with stone that has been neglected by previous homeowners. It is important to clean this stone with the same care and manner as you would natural stone of any age and condition. After cleaning you should assess the stone for cracks, stains, and other damages.
Contact a Professional
You may need to reach out for professional stone restoration services in these situations. Stone restoration technicians use specialized equipment that can smooth the surface, remove stains, and bring the natural stone back to life.
Reach Out to Just Call Classic
Just Call Classic is the only team of experienced natural stone maintenance, repair, and restoration service that residents trust. Family-owned and operated, this team of experienced professionals helps clients with a range of various stone issues revitalize their natural stone surfaces.
Just Call Classic can also help with other natural stone in other areas of the home, including countertops, flooring, and bathroom surfaces. They provide clients in both residential homes and commercial buildings with honest and outstanding natural stone services. Reach out to Just Call Classic today to learn more about their services.
