Canadian winters can bring some harsh weather. With all the snow, ice, hail, rain, and freezing temperatures it can be hard to stay on top of maintaining your driveway. Unfortunately, without proper maintenance, come springtime, your driveway might not be a pretty sight. Plus, attempting to navigate your icy paths and driveway can be dangerous. Read on to learn how to best maintain your driveway throughout the winter.
Seal Your Driveway
Sealing your driveway before winter even hits it a great preventative measure to take in order to protect your driveway. A sealing product will fill any cracks in your driveway. This will prevent any water (think ice and snowmelt) from seeping in, freezing, and eventually expanding and contracting. If water does get in it will cause your driveway to form large cracks, which you will have to repair come springtime. Have a pro seal your driveway to protect it all winter long.
Clear Ice & Snow Regularly
A sealant will provide your driveway with the strength it needs to prevent water from seeping in. This doesn’t mean that you don’t have to do any more work. If the weather is harsh enough, it could have the ability to slowly tear away at your sealant. Leaving snow and ice to melt on your driveway could lead to water seeping through small cracks. Once water is in, it will expand and contract, leaving you with a damaged driveway. Be sure to clear your driveway of snow and ice on a regular basis. This will help to protect your sealant, if you have one, and also protect your driveway overall.
Tip: Be careful when you are removing snow or ice from your driveway. Heavy-duty shovels as well as snowblowers, if not used correctly, have the potential to damage the surface of your driveway. If you are using a snow removal service, make sure the company is properly clearing your surfaces.
Use Natural Products to De-ice
Sometimes a de-icing product is necessary to ensure a slip-free surface. If this is the case, try not to use chemical products such as rock salt (sodium chloride). Rock salt in particular can be linked to corroding pavement over time. While these products may create a slip-free environment, they are not good for your surface, or the environment around them. More natural products, such as sand, will do the same trick while protecting your surfaces and the environment.
An alternative to using any products would be to install radiant heating. This system will melt snow and ice on your driveway and footpaths by heating the surface from underneath. This alternative is more expensive than DIY, but can save you time and energy in the long run. Read more about how radiant heating works and the cost of adding it to your home.
Canadian winters are harsh, as we all know. Preventative measures and regular maintenance are key to keeping your driveway in good shape throughout the winter season. Get connected with pros in your area today to get a headstart on preparing and maintaining your driveway throughout the winter.
