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Summer has arrived early this year, bringing intense sunshine and rising temperatures. In the UK, our summer temperatures are typically pretty mild, ranging from 15°C to 25°C. However, during heatwaves, they can reach above 30°C. 

While we take steps to look after ourselves with sunscreen and hats, we rarely think about how our roads and driveways are affected by hot temperatures.

The south and south-east of England experience particularly high temperatures in Summer, making it especially important for homeowners to undertake additional summer driveway maintenance and precautions. 

Keep reading to learn more about driveway maintenance care. Whether you want to resurface your existing driveway or lay a new one, connect with us at LSL Surfacing. 

Common Heat-Related Driveway Issues

Beyond serving a practical purpose (providing a parking space for your car), your driveway also helps maintain your property’s curbside appeal and doubles as a safe playground for children. Extreme temperatures can impact a driveway’s appearance and structural integrity, potentially causing cracks and fissures to appear. This leads to safety concerns and may even result in expensive repairs.

Some common problems due to an over-heated driveway in the UK include:

• Cracking is caused by expansion and contraction due to higher temperatures. This is more common in concrete and asphalt driveways.
• A breakdown of the surface pigment of asphalt and coloured concrete driveways due to exposure to constant UV rays.
• Softening of newly laid bitumen in asphalt caused by higher temperatures during a heatwave.
• Stains and stubborn marks resulting from the melting of tyres or other plastic materials in the sun.
• Dents and rutting in tarmac and asphalt driveways, a result of cars being parked in the same spot in the sun.
• Expansion of the surface leading to lifting or bulging of the driveway.

Driveway Maintenance in Summer

Proper driveway maintenance can help you avoid the side effects of the sun. Let’s look at the most effective ways to take care of your car driveway in the summer. 

1. Applying Sealent

Sealing your driveway is the first step towards driveway maintenance in the summer. 

Intense heat will dry out a driveway, leading to brittling and thermal expansion. As heated driveway in the UK expands, cracks may begin to form. When a dry spell is followed by rain, water seeps into the fissures, which can expand when the temperature drops, further worsening the problem.

Sealing your driveway will prevent thermal expansion, prevent damage by UV rays and increase the driveway's durability.

2. Clean the Driveway

Cleaning your driveway prevents stubborn oil stains from lingering, maintaining curbside appeal. 

During the dry summer months, you’ll see more debris, dust and pollen accumulating on the car driveway, which should be cleared away before it can settle. It’s also a good idea to move any material that can melt and lead to stains and marks. 

Regular sweeping and cleaning with detergent and cold water should be a part of your regular driveway maintenance routine. Cold water will also help lower the surface temperature of the driveway and prevent sun damage. During heatwaves, pour a few buckets of cold water onto your driveway in the afternoon.

3. Shelter the Driveway 

An effective way to keep your driveway sheltered from direct sunlight is by planting shady trees, which will reduce damage from UV rays. This also prevents outdoor concrete driveway paint from fading. 

Just make sure to control plant growth around your driveway and prevent weeds and roots from growing where they shouldn’t. You’ll also need to make sure there’s proper drainage for your plants to prevent long-term water damage to the drive. 

4. Be Mindful About Your Parking

Damage from vehicles parked on your car driveway is also common in the summer months. If you own multiple cars, you might want to look for alternate parking options or keep them in a covered garage. If that’s not convenient, simply moving the car frequently will minimise the damage to your driveway.

When a car is parked for a long period on a sunny driveway, you may notice dents and cracks forming on the surface when the vehicle is removed. 

5. Check for Cracks

Speaking of cracks and dents, you’ll want to assess your drive for these on a regular basis. Addressing any issue as soon as possible will help prevent significant damage and repair costs. 

Ideally, conduct quick weekly checks, looking for signs of cracks, weeds, outdoor concrete driveway paint discolouration, and any other visible damage. 

Contact LSL Surfacing for Driveway Resurfacing

Driveway maintenance can help you reduce repair costs while increasing the longevity of your driveway. Having your driveway checked by professionals before the onset of summer is a good idea. This makes it easy to address any damage caused by the harsh winter weather while also preparing your driveway for summer.

At LSL Surfacing, we have over 25 years of experience in providing best-in-class solutions for your driveway needs. We use advanced technology to help you address all your driveway concerns and resurfacing needs. 

You can take advantage of our surfacing dressing solutions in Cambridge, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, and Hertfordshire. 

Call us on 01223 420369 or 07522 830636 for more information.