How to protect your driveway this winter

First Water Contracting is a commercial construction company but in the spirit of Thanksgiving and to say thank you to all our lovely customers and friends of our website we thought we would share this article as general advice to homeowners.

Protecting your driveway during the winter is important to prevent damage and ensure it remains safe and functional. Here are some steps you can take to protect your driveway from winter weather:

Regular Maintenance: Before winter arrives, inspect your driveway for cracks, potholes, or other damage. Repair any issues to prevent them from worsening during the winter. We can help with this here at First Water Contracting.

Snow Removal: Keep your driveway clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Shovel snow promptly after a snowfall and use ice melt or sand to prevent ice buildup.

Use a Snow Blower: If you have a large driveway, consider investing in a snow blower to make snow removal easier and more efficient.

Snow Plowing Service: If you have a long or difficult-to-clear driveway, consider hiring a professional snow plowing service to ensure it stays clear throughout the winter.

Protect Against Salt Damage: Salt can damage your driveway's surface. Use a driveway sealer before winter to create a protective barrier. Additionally, use a calcium chloride or magnesium chloride-based ice melt, which is less harmful to the concrete.

Avoid Metal Shovels: When shoveling snow, use a plastic or rubber-tipped snow shovel to prevent damaging the driveway's surface.

Proper Drainage: Ensure that your driveway has adequate drainage to prevent water from pooling and freezing. Proper drainage can prevent the formation of ice patches.

Winter Tires: If you park on your driveway, consider installing winter tires on your vehicle. This will reduce the chance of your car skidding and damaging the driveway.

Avoid Sharp Tools: When removing ice, avoid using sharp tools that can gouge the surface. Instead, use a plastic ice scraper or a snow pusher.

Snow Stakes or Markers: Placing snow stakes or markers along the edges of your driveway can help you and others avoid driving onto the lawn or causing damage when the driveway is covered in snow.

Properly Store Equipment: When not in use, store snow removal equipment, such as shovels and snow blowers, in a dry place to prevent rust and damage.

Regular Cleaning: After winter, give your driveway a thorough cleaning to remove any remaining ice melt or debris. This can help extend the life of your driveway.

Consider Heated Driveways: If you're willing to invest, you can install a heated driveway system that melts snow and ice as they accumulate. These systems are typically embedded in the concrete or asphalt and can be controlled automatically.

Remember that different types of driveways (concrete, asphalt, pavers, etc.) may have specific maintenance requirements, so be sure to consider the specific needs of your driveway material. Regular upkeep and proactive measures can go a long way in protecting your driveway during the winter months.

Call us  today for any advice or bookings