As autumn starts making its way, the leaves will start to change color and drop. As pretty as the leaves can be, they can damage your driveway if they’re left unattended. Although leaves may seem harmless, they can lead to staining and discoloration, drainage system blockages, and surface abrasion. Here are some tips for preventing driveway damage from falling leaves:
- Consistently Sweep your Driveway: It’s important to establish a routine that matches your area’s leaf-fall patterns. Most areas tend to experience peak leaf drop over 4-6 weeks into fall, but it may be different depending on where you are and you will need to alter your cleaning schedule to that. If you don’t clean regularly, that allows leaves to pile up and leads to damage to your driveway.
- Driveway Sealing: Sealing your driveway helps to create a protective barrier that prevents moisture from penetrating the surface. The best time to apply sealer is in late summer and early fall.
- Drainage Improvements: Ensuring proper drainage prevents water from pooling on your driveway which helps to reduce the conditions that accelerate leaf-related damage. Simple improvements can help to make a significant difference.