Depending on how well it's cared for, an asphalt driveway should last between 20 and 30 years. To get as much life out of yours as possible, it's important to perform annual maintenance to protect it during the winter. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your driveway during the colder season.

4 Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Asphalt Driveway

1. Use a Plastic Snow Shovel

Even though asphalt is pretty rugged, a metal-tipped snow shovel can easily damage the surface and leave it vulnerable to ice and snow. To preserve the look and bodily integrity of your driveway, shovel snow using a hard-plastic shovel instead of a metal one.

2. Have It Sealcoated

Asphalt is porous and absorbs moisture. During the winter, this moisture freezes and expands, causing the asphalt to crack. This makes it even more susceptible to moisture, and the damage begins to increase rapidly. Sealcoating protects your asphalt driveway from moisture penetration and the damages caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. You should have it sealed every three years or so for the best results.

3. Repair Cracks ASAP

If you notice cracks appearing in your driveway, have an asphalt contractor out to inspect the surface and repair the damage immediately. The sooner you repair them, the less moisture penetration occurs and the longer your driveway will last.

4. Don't Use Rock Salt

Salt is harmful to your driveway in two ways. First, it exaggerates the freeze-thaw cycle by melting snow, even when it's below freezing out, allowing the moisture to enter the asphalt and immediately refreeze. Second, it corrodes the metal reinforcements—either mesh or rebar—used to support the poured slab. It weakens the materials and leaves your driveway vulnerable to deterioration.

To have an asphalt driveway repaired or installed, contact Jellisons Best Blacktop, an experienced asphalt contractor in Shakopee, MN. They are family-owned and -operated and have been serving the Twin Cities area for more than 70 years. They specialize in driveway and parking lot repair, blacktop replacement, and nearly any other type of residential or commercial paving. Visit their website to see what their customers have to say about them, or call (952) 890-4664 to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable representative.