8 Driveway Preparations for Winter Weather

Winter is a season that is known to be harsh in its weather, so you need to prepare your driveway for it. Winter can damage your driveway if it’s not winterized correctly, resulting in cracking, potholes, and other damages. Productive Asphalt has put together this comprehensive guide to help you winterize your driveway.

Why Are Driveway Preparations for Winter So Important?

Winter can present driveways with unique challenges. Asphalt driveways are subject to freeze-thaw damage. This cycle causes water to seep into the asphalt, where it expands when it freezes. This breaks down the asphalt, causing it to crack further. This is just one way in which snow, ice, and de-icing chemicals can damage your driveway. To help mitigate damage and reduce the need for expensive repairs, winter driveway preparation is key.

Preparing your driveway for the winter weather can keep your family and guests safe.

1. Inspect Your Driveway for Existing Damage

A crucial aspect of preparing driveways for winter begins by conducting a surface inspection for any cracks, potholes and uneven patches. Cracks as small as an inch or two can become enlarged in cold weather. Preparation allows you to check for any trouble spots.

What to do:

For larger cracks and potholes, contact a professional to have the driveway repaired before winter arrives. Companies like Productive Asphalt offer driveway patching and repair.

Apply a high-quality asphalt crack filler to any smaller cracks.

2. Seal Your Driveway

Sealcoating is an important step of any driveway preparations for winter. A fresh sealcoat provides a protective layer to prevent water, ice and de-icing chemicals from soaking into the surface of your asphalt. It also prevents it from losing its smooth, polished appearance.

When to sealcoat:

• Ideally, sealcoating should be done during warmer months, but if you haven’t done it yet, plan to schedule it in early spring as a post-winter maintenance step.

3. Clean Your Driveway Thoroughly

Accumulated leaves, dirt, and debris hold moisture against your driveway’s surface. Cleaning your driveway is an essential (but often forgotten) step in your driveway preparations for winter.

How to clean:

• Clear the nearby drains for proper runoff.
• Sweep away leaves, sticks and other debris.
• A pressure washer will remove oil stains, dirt, and grime.

4. Focus on Drainage

The right drainage can help you to avoid the build up of water on the driveway. Water that is not allowed to flow away from the driveway can freeze in winter and this can cause cracks on the surface. Drainage is one of the most important aspects when you are preparing your driveway for winter.

Here’s what you should do:

• Install drainage systems if required to redirect water.
• Ensure the slope of the driveway allows the water to run off the surface.
• Remove any debris that can clog the gutters and downspouts for better water flow.

5. Use De-Icing Products Carefully

De-icing products are important to use in inclement weather to avoid safety hazards. However, if not used properly, some of these products can damage your asphalt driveway and increase the rate of surface degradation.

Tips when de-icing:

• Use sand or gravel to increase traction without damaging your asphalt driveway.
• Spread a de-icer on your asphalt surface that is safe for use with asphalt like calcium magnesium acetate or magnesium chloride.
• Do not use rock salt on your asphalt driveway as it can speed up the deterioration of the asphalt surface.

6. Remove Snow Promptly and Properly

Snow removal is one of the largest segments of driveway preparation for winter. Neglecting to remove snow and ice in a reasonable period of time can cause an increased risk of cracks and other types of damage to your asphalt. The method of snow removal is also a factor to consider as well.

Snow removal best practices:

• Use a professional snow removal service if your driveway is large or you just need help.
• Use a plastic shovel or shovel with a rubber edge to prevent scratching of the asphalt.
• Prevent gouging by not using a metal shovel or snowplow blade.

7. Schedule Professional Maintenance

Hiring a professional for maintenance is also a part of long-term driveway preparations for winter. Productive Asphalt can inspect your pavement and make sure it is in its best condition with needed repairs and solutions to keep your asphalt in tip-top shape all winter long.

Professional maintenance includes:

• Keep your mind at ease knowing that your driveway can take on the winter months.
• Long-lasting repairs from an expert.
• Advanced methods to improve your pavement’s drainage, sealcoating, and crack filling.

8. Plan for Spring Repairs

The most challenging time of year for your driveway is over, but winter can still damage your pavement. Proper maintenance is necessary to keep your pavement in good condition, but an ounce of prevention only goes so far. Spring maintenance is a great time to plan for necessary post-winter repairs. Here are some tips on how to care for your asphalt pavement in the spring.

Spring maintenance:

• Apply a new coat of sealcoat for the remainder of the year
• Book a professional inspection for post-winter damage
• Fix any cracks and potholes that occurred over the winter

Preparing your driveway for winter can go a long way toward protecting your investment. Winter weather can be hard on your driveway, but taking steps to ensure it’s in good shape before the colder months arrive can help you avoid costly repairs in the future.

It’s also important to think about how you will clear snow and ice from your driveway during the winter. By taking the time to properly prepare your driveway, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything possible to keep it in good condition.

Productive Asphalt is here to help you take care of your driveway all season long. If you have any questions about driveway maintenance or if you would like to schedule a professional repair or service, please do not hesitate to contact us today.