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There’s no legal requirement that states that you need rebar in a concrete driveway, but since the slab will be supporting heavy vehicle loads, it’s always a good idea to pay a bit more for rebar reinforcement. Your driveway will be much more likely to crack if you don’t reinforce it with rebar. Driveways that need to support commercial vehicles or provide parking for multiple vehicles at once should always include rebar reinforcement. If you’re pouring concrete over asphalt or pouring concrete over an existing slab, you may not have enough depth for rebar, meaning an increased risk of cracking.

Not pressure washing your driveway can lead to several consequences that affect both its appearance and its structural integrity over time:  

• Reduced Curb Appeal: A dirty driveway covered in grime, stains, and mildew detracts from your home's overall appearance.  

• Safety Hazards: The buildup of algae, moss, and mildew creates slippery surfaces. When wet, it increases the risk of slips and falls for you, your family, and visitors.  

• Structural Damage: Dirt, debris, and organic growth can trap moisture against the driveway's surface. In colder climates, this moisture can freeze and thaw, leading to cracks and deterioration of the concrete or asphalt.

Always begin by removing large debris, leaves, and branches from your lawn to make room for the rest of your lawn maintenance checklist. Move on to mowing, weeding, and edging in the spaces between your lawn and garden. Lastly, clean off all hardscapes, porches, and patios for a fresh and tidy appearance.

Whether you need to winterize your pressure washer depends on where you store it. If you can keep it in a relatively warm place with no risk of freezing, you won't need to add antifreeze. However, if the machine will be stored in freezing temperatures, any liquid left in the water pump can freeze, expand, and cause severe damage. To prevent this, add antifreeze to keep it in good condition. While some suggest emptying the machine with compressed air, this can be a tedious process that may not fully drain the liquid. Regardless of storage conditions, it is also good practice to empty the gas chamber and refresh the oil before winter storage.