Winter is just around the corner, and as much as you like the crystal snow, cozy weather, and warm clothes, you can’t ignore the havoc it can bring to your driveways. Like our bodies, our homes also need protection in extreme temperatures, especially driveways. The heavy snow won’t just cover your concrete driveway but also damage the pavement and cause many other serious issues. But you can save yourself the trouble and avoid spending your hard-earned savings by taking precautionary measures with winter driveway prep.
Following are some of the best tips that won’t just protect your driveway but also your bank balance. Keep reading to learn the best ways to maintain your driveway in winter.
Clean Your Driveway
Start with cleaning your asphalt driveway. Get out on the pavement in your cleaning gear and give a thorough cleanse to your driveway. Clear out dust and debris, including fallen leaves and junk. Next, you can opt for pressure washing which will clear up any built-in debris and spots you cannot physically clean with your cleaning supplies. If you still see some spots, a chemical stain remover is perfect for the job.
Address those Creaks and Cracks
The next step is to check the pavement for any creaks and cracks. These creaks lead to much more significant damage as they are prone to storing rainwater. This liquid can further freeze when the temperature drops in the winter, causing your pavement to form larger cracks.
To avoid such a situation, start by filling out smaller creaks yourself. It isn’t a challenging task, but in case of more extensive and deeper cracks, you will need a professional to do the job. A professional will ensure that your driveway stays safe inside and out in winter and that no issue occurs.
Use Driveway Sealant
Once you are confident that all your driveway flaws are taken care of, move toward with driveway sealcoating. Driveway sealant is a protective coat to seal all the small creaks and cracks in your driveway; this sealant covering also aids in protecting your driveway from de-icing chemicals.
Asphalt seal coating is essential for rescuing your driveway from harsh winter conditions, but it is not necessary every year. You can seal your driveway every 2 to 3 years to be safe.
Check for Drainage Problems
Another mandatory thing to add to your winter driveway preparations is checking for the drainage systems in your driveway. Poor drainage in your driveway is prone to water from the melted ice, which can later cause slick patches. You must avoid rainwater lingering on your driveway in other seasons as well to keep it intact and in shape.
You can hire a professional paver to cater to your drainage problems to prevent water from pooling around the driveway and causing long-term problems.
Invest in Proper Cleaning Tools
Once you are done preparing your driveway for the winter, it’s high time you also check for other necessities. Check whether you have everything you need for when the snow freezes on your driveway. A great way to do this is by investing in newer, better tools that will help you keep your driveway clean and clear all winters.
If you have been using the same shovel over the past few years, it’s advised to get a new one! Do proper research before getting any new tools, and invest in ones that are safe to use and easier to work with.
Now how to keep your driveway clear of snow?
Clean the Snow Regularly
One of the most critical points to protect your driveway during winter is by cleaning your driveway regularly so you won’t have to call professionals and spend your hard-earned dollars. Do not let unnecessary snow build up and become a difficult task in the future.
Instead, clean your driveway regularly, so the snow doesn’t build up and cause damage to your pavement. Cleaning a small driveway may not be such a hard job, but the bigger the driveway, the bigger the problem will be if you are not careful. You can also use a driveway cover for snow as a covered driveway has a better chance.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional paver to assist you in keeping your driveway clean throughout the winter.
