How to Look After Your Driveway in Winter
Estimated reading time 5 minutes
The cold weather is fast approaching and aside from having to keep ourselves protected from the elements, our driveways need similar attention too. Ice, snow and general low temperatures can cause all kinds of havoc with all kinds of driveway in the winter. Therefore, we need to keep preventative maintenance high on our agenda so we aren’t looking for a driveway overhaul that could see us out of pocket.
There are a few things you can easily do that are inexpensive, and not particularly time-consuming. If though, damage has already set in, speak to our team at Tidey & Webb. We are specialist surfacing contractors who can help you get your driveway back to its best and demonstrate how you can have it fight off the cold weather.
Seal your driveway before winter
This is perhaps one of the best first steps you can take. Sealing a driveway in the winter gives you an additional layer of protection. Just ensure you find the correct sealant for your driveway type. Different products react differently with different surfaces and that could greatly affect how the sealant performs.
You should also factor in when you are going to do this. Sealing your driveway one night before snow is due to fall will not provide the benefit you hope it does. Instead, plan to seal your drive in late autumn so that it's fully embedded and settled into your driveway ready for when the cold weather comes.
Repair cracks quickly
Driveways can be subjected to a lot of extremes. Whether it be vehicle movement, chemical spills, harsh weather or underlying roots. All can cause cracks that start small and soon turn into something concerning. If you don’t treat cracks before winter comes, you greatly increase the chances of them expanding and causing permanent damage to your drive.
Regularly inspect your driveway for signs of cracking and apply a suitable filler for your driveway type. Much like the sealant, you’ll want to pick one that is suitable for your driveway surface. Maintaining a tarmac driveway for example is quite different to maintaining a block paving driveway. Always make sure you clean the driveway first and that the cracks are dry before you attempt to fill them.
Be careful with de-icer
De-icer can work wonders when temperatures plummet but what you use could cause damage to the driveway and at the same time, be useless against the colder weather. Avoid salt or any chemicals as even though they break ice down, they will turn it into a watery slushy mess that will seep through cracks or pool in dents and holes. This then causes a huge problem if it refreezes as it’ll expand and damage the driveway. Instead, opt for sand. It gives a degree of grip and whilst not melting the ice, it won’t cause any harm to your drive like the chemicals would.
Keep an eye on drainage
Your driveway can be a prime area for water to pool, ice to form and blockages to generate during winter. Regularly check that drains or run-off areas aren’t blocked by ice or snow. This could cause any surface water to remain on the driveway surface where it then transforms into ice. The ice will then lead to cracks on the surface which will damage the drive.
Remove snow as it happens
We don’t see tremendous amounts of snow in Sussex, Surrey or Kent but occasionally, it can get quite intense. Whilst this provides an element of fun, it can cause huge levels of damage to your driveway. The cracks we’ve mentioned already are likely as this blanket of freezing material sits heavily on your driveway surface, slowly seeping through and causing all sorts of damage underneath.
Make sure you use the right tools for the job though. Whilst metal shovels might be more robust, they may cause chips, dents and holes in your driveway. Instead, look for plastic or rubber to ensure a job well done is a job that doesn’t cause any harm!
Think about how much weight is on the drive
Both vehicles and the snow itself can add lots of weight to an already compromised driveway. Keep your driveway clear if you can and remove large accumulations of snow as soon as you can.
Keep your driveway clean
Removing any debris will greatly help with keeping your driveway free from damage this winter. Leaves, rubbish, moss, sticks and just about anything else can act as a home for water to settle or ice to form. If left, they could soon be the host for an area of damage on the driveway.
These tips should help you protect your driveway in winter but if you feel your driveway needs an overhaul to fully stave off the cold, speak to our team. We are the local experts for both residential and commercial surfacing in Sussex, Surrey and Kent. With over 40 years of experience, you can trust us to provide you with the optimal driveway.