Thinking ahead to the freezing winter days just around the corner, what is the biggest concern we have about our driveways? Does the word "slippery" come to mind? It's quite practical to be anxious about your driveway's traction in a season fraught with snow and ice. It's also normal to wonder how your driveway will fare during months that typically do the most damage to asphalt. While you are winterizing your home, there are steps you can take to get your driveway ready for winter.

Why is winter so hard on your driveway?

• Freezing and Thawing. During any type of precipitation, moisture penetrates the asphalt surface, making it softer due to a loss of aggregates. Water expands as it freezes, causing cracks, potholes and depressions. During the freeze/thaw cycle, the damage increases exponentially.
• Melting Snow. During the day, asphalt absorbs the sun's heat, causing the snow on your driveway to melt and pool. At night it freezes, forming "ice dams" where the water backs up the next day. Pooling water on the asphalt surface is destructive.
• Plowing and Shoveling. Scraping the snow and ice from your driveway's surface is a necessity, but it can loosen the aggregate if the plow blade is set too low or the shovel is too sharp.

How to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

Take these steps to increase your driveway's chances of surviving over the winter, while keeping it safe for foot and vehicular traffic.

• Clear away leaves, twigs and organic debris that can attract moisture
• Remove objects, such as planters and pots
• Power wash to remove oil and grit
• Repair current cracks, pits and potholes
• Sealcoat your asphalt for extra protection
• Avoid parking unusually heavy vehicles in your driveway over the winter
• Use calcium-based ice melts
• Ensure there is adequate drainage around your driveway
• Use shovels or equipment designed specifically for snow removal

Rely on the Professionals for Winterizing Your Driveway

Preparing your driveway for winter often requires services that can only be delivered by professionals. At Maintain It All, we have the expertise to do the necessary repairs, power washing and sealcoating that extends the life of your driveway in all types of weather. Contact us today!