Your driveway can have a difficult time in the winter. Low temperature levels can weaken surfacing materials and snow and ice can create cracks and holes and make them worse. But there are lots of things you can do to prevent these issues. We’ve put together 6 tips to help you get your driveway ready for winter.
1. Clean it regularly
Keeping your driveway clean is a great way to prepare it for winter. In reality, this is something that’s worth doing the entire year round. Regularly removing leaves, mud and other debris from your driveway will stop it getting slippery or developing weed growth that could cause damage.
2. Ensure it has adequate drainage
Another way to prepare your driveway for the winter months is to check its drainage. Make sure that water doesn’t run down your driveway or collect on it. If you do have water on your driveway, it can easily turn to ice in winter and make any cracks or holes you have worse.
3. Seal it
It’s a good idea to make sure your driveway has been sealed relatively recently before winter. Sealing is typically done around once every 2 years, so put in the time to check when it was last done. Sealants coat your driveway in a protective layer, removing small holes and decreasing damage from heavy traffic.
4. Be prepared to get rid of ice and snow
Before it gets much colder, ensure you have the space and equipment you need to get rid of ice and snow if it collects on your driveway. To stop thawing and refreezing snow and ice harming your driveway, you’ll have to remove it as quickly as you can. A quality shovel ought to be sufficient, but check it’s a size and weight you can deal with, particularly when it’s filled with heavy snow.
5. Don’t invest in chemicals
Although it may be enticing, don’t stockpile de-icing chemicals before winter hits. Although these will successfully remove snow and ice from your drive, they’ll also damage it. Instead, as soon as you have got rid of the snow and ice with a shovel, put down sand to improve traction.
6. Do repair work now
If you’ve got some big holes and cracks in your driveway, winter weather conditions will merely make them worse. Plus, you might harm your vehicle if you go over any damaged areas when they’re concealed by snow. Repairing your driveway before it gets really cold may avoid more damage and save your money in the long term.
These 6 ways to get your driveway ready for winter should help you keep your driveway in good condition. Need expert help? Simply fill out our online form. We’ll put you in touch with up to 4 local driveway pros who can help.