Winter Preparation Tips to Protect your Asphalt Driveway

Whether your asphalt driveway is new or several years old, you want to make sure it is protected against the harsh winter temperatures, snow and ice. Since asphalt is naturally porous it absorbs water from the environment. The winter months can take a toll on your asphalt driveway, because the water trapped beneath the surface freezes and expands causing cracks and other such damage. There are several ways you can prepare and protect your residential driveway during the cold & snowy months. Exit 7 Sealcoating has highlighted several winter asphalt driveway and maintenance preparation tips below.

6 Best Winter Asphalt Driveway Preparation Tips

Thoroughly Clean the Driveway: Before the winter season begins, give your asphalt driveway a thorough cleaning. Remove all debris, sweep off old & decaying leaves and clean up any stains or spills properly. Not only will this make winter asphalt driveway maintenance easier, but prevent ugly discolorations from forming.

Plastic Shovels Only: Never use metal shovels to clear snow or ice on your driveway as they can create chips and dents within the asphalt. At Exit 7 Sealcoating we recommend using a lightweight plastic shovel to remove snow from your driveway. While it may be more time consuming, it will pay off in the end to ensure you do not accidentally damage your asphalt.

Avoid Rock Salt: While all de-icing agents take a toll on asphalt, you should avoid rock salt at all costs. The harsh chemical is toxic to the environment and will degrade your top level sealcoat very quickly. Instead, use de-icers made of Magnesium Chloride or Calcium Magnesium Acetate, which are less toxic, work in lower temperatures and better for your asphalt driveway.

Hire Professional Snow Removal Service: Especially after a blizzard or large snowstorm, it is best to hire a professional who knows how to properly clear snow & ice from asphalt without causing any damage.

Watch for Small Signs of Asphalt Failure: Tiny cracks, fractures and potholes need to be identified and repaired quickly before they turn into large & costly issues.

Schedule a Sealcoating: A residential asphalt driveway should receive a sealcoating treatment every 2 to 4 years, depending on the use and damage. Sealcoating by professional paving contractors ensures your driveway stays protected against the harsh winter & summer seasons, as well as maintains its beauty for years to come.

Snow & Ice Driveway Maintenance Tips

If you follow our winter asphalt driveway maintenance & protection tips, you’ll see less damage to your driveway over the course of several seasons. If it has been several years since your driveway was last inspected, call Exit 7 Sealcoating for a repair evaluation. Serving residential & commercial clients in Central NJ, we offer asphalt sealcoating, as well as residential paving, crack filling, pothole repair & so much more.