Winter brings a plethora of problems to your driveway. From snow and ice to salt and sand, these elements can take a toll on your driveway if not managed properly. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and preparation, you can protect your driveway during the winter season. Let’s look at some helpful tips for protecting your blacktop driveway during the colder months.
Preparing Your Driveway Before Winter Hits
The key to keeping your driveway safe from the ravages of winter is preparation. Start by cleaning off any debris or dirt that may have accumulated over the summer months. This will help ensure that water doesn’t collect and freeze on top of it. You should also check for any cracks or potholes in the pavement so you can repair them before they get worse in cold weather.
Another way to prepare your driveway for winter is to seal coat it before temperatures drop too low. Sealcoating helps protect against moisture seeping into crevices in the pavement, which can cause cracks and potholes over time. It also provides protection against salt and other chemicals used to melt ice and snow on driveways during winter.
Seal Cracks in the Asphalt or Concrete driveway
When winter rolls around, it’s important to seal any cracks in your asphalt or concrete driveway before the weather becomes too severe. After all, those cracks can become worse when water and ice get into them, creating even more problems and costing you more in repairs later down the road. So, do yourself a favor and prep your driveway before snowfall hits, by investing in a quality seal coating material that will keep the elements at bay. In addition, sealing now can give you peace of mind knowing that no matter how crazy winter gets, your driveway should be able to handle it with ease!
Managing Snow Accumulation
When it snows, make sure you keep up with shoveling and plowing regularly so that snow doesn’t accumulate on your driveway surface. If left unattended, snow piles can begin to thaw and repeatedly refreeze until they become hard as concrete, leading to damage when you try to remove them with a shovel or plow blade. Creating a pothole in your driveway.
Additionally, try using non-corrosive deicers such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride instead of rock salt. Rock salt can be very corrosive to asphalt surfaces over time if used excessively or incorrectly applied.
Clean Up After Melting Ice and Snow
A beautiful snowy day is a perfect escape into a winter wonderland, but don’t forget to keep up on your driveway clean-up! Melting ice and snow can lead to a slippery surface, as well as puddles of water that freeze easily. Ice and snow can pile up quickly if you’re not keeping track of it and neglecting to clear it. Safely prepping your driveway for the upcoming warmer months not only prevents slips and falls but also helps protect your car from any potential damage the icy conditions may cause. Pull out your shovels, ice pickers, and salt bags for an ice-free driveway today!
Caring For Your Driveway After Winter Passes
Once winter has passed, it’s important to take care of any remaining ice patches that may still linger on your driveway surface so they don’t cause damage over time from melting and refreezing repeatedly throughout the year. You should also check for signs of damage caused by deicers such as potholes or cracks in the pavement due to excessive use or incorrect application of deicers during winter months. Finally, consider resealing your driveway once temperatures rise above freezing again so it stays protected from future wear-and-tear caused by extreme temperature changes throughout all four seasons!
Hire a Professional Paver if Needed
If you find that the winter weather has caused serious damage to your driveway, it might be time to hire a professional paver. A professional paving company can help you restore your driveway back to its previous glory by patching up any cracks or potholes and resealing the whole surface.
They’ll also provide advice on how best to protect your driveway against colder weather in the future. With their help, you can be assured that your driveway will look great all year round!
By taking these steps, you can ensure that your driveway is ready for whatever winter throws its way. From sealing and driveway patching, there are plenty of ways to prepare for the winter and protect your driveway from the wear and tear that comes with it. After all, a well-maintained driveway can add years of life to any home, so be sure to give yours some extra TLC this season!
Hire us at Nathan’s Paving if you are located in the central pa area. We are a full-service paving company that offers driveway repairs, seal coating services, and more. Contact us today for a free quote!
We look forward to helping you protect your driveway this winter season and beyond. Good luck!
Conclusion
By taking these steps, you can trust that your driveway will remain safe and protected throughout the winter months. Invest in quality seal coating materials and keep up with snow accumulation to ensure your driveway can handle cold temperatures and harsh elements. Once winter passes, make sure you clean up any remaining ice patches and check for signs of damage caused by deicers.
