Exposed aggregate is a material that is commonly used for making patios and driveways. Essentially a cement finish, exposed aggregate offers the perfect balance between aesthetic appeal and functionality. Its rugged and non-slip properties are also an excellent way to prevent unnecessary injuries – especially if you have kids in the house who like to run about. More importantly, most people prefer this driveway type due to its capacity to hold its own against heavy traffic and its ability to withstand the tough Aussie weather.

However, while exposed aggregate concrete in Melbourne is an excellent choice for your driveway or patio, you should know that it does require a significant amount of care and maintenance from time to time. If you want to keep the surfaces looking pristine and brand-new, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

Regular Cleaning

The best way to maintain exposed aggregate driveways in Melbourne is to make sure that you clean them on a regular basis. Failure to do so would cause the dust and grime to settle into the surface. Ideally, you will want to make sure that the driveway is cleaned or swept at least once in a day.

If you don’t want to sweep over the driveway, you might want to consider buying a leaf blower. This equipment would assist in the removal of dust and environmental debris that has accumulated on the surface. An alternative option includes using a garden hose in order to rinse off those stubborn stains and spots that have piled up over time.

Pressure Washing

Another effective way to get rid of stains left behind by viscous liquids such as car oil, is to use a high-pressure washer. Adding a little bit of degreaser as well as hot water would also go a long way in easing the process of removing the stains. When covered in hot water, the combined influence of the degreaser and heavy pressured water would work at lifting up the stains from the surface of the exposed aggregate.

Another option includes purchasing aggregate cleaners which are the ideal solution to removing tough stains such as tire marks. Once the stain is emulsified and loose, you can easily rinse it off with hot water. If there are some stains that aren’t easily removed, try using a brush with stiff bristles in order to scrub out these stubborn dirt and spots.

How to Remove Tire Tracks or Oil Stains

Oil stains are known to pose a problem especially when left untreated for too long. This is due to its ability to embed deeply in the surface of a driveway, leaving an unpleasant appearance that takes away from the once attractive appeal of the aggregate. Considering the encounter of extremely stubborn stains, try mixing parts of robust solvent and sawdust to create a poultice. Ideally, using acetone or any kind of lacquer thinner as a solvent would work wonders at breaking down the oil. Once the poultice is ready, apply that mixture to the top of the surface. Then, place a cloth on top of the spot for approximately 3-4 hours while it works its magic. The absorbent material of the sawdust would then soak up the broken-down oil stain, thus leaving the driveway looking pristine.

It is however, important to note that this method is best effective when applied to small stains rather than larger ones.

Rinse the Surface Thoroughly

Once you have removed the stains, you need to make sure to rinse the surface thoroughly. Use the pressure washer and rinse it as carefully as possible. This is important to completely eradicate any remnants of cleaning solutions or mixtures that were used along with the grime from the surface.

Once completely dry, make sure to carefully inspect the surface. If contaminants are still visible following these measures, your concrete driveway may need to be resealed by professionals.

Looking for reliable and experienced concrete driveways experts? Then look no further than Simply Driveways. With 21 years of experience, we are the go-to specialists when it comes to coloured concrete driveways and concrete driveways in Melbourne for your home. Our friendly team is more than ready to assist you with any questions regarding your driveways, so get in touch with us today!