Just as streets require road maintenance before winter, so does your driveway. Left unaddressed, cracks, potholes, and other flaws in your driveway will continue to worsen in the snow and cold. To help ensure your driveway is winter-ready, follow these steps to prepare it for the weather ahead.

How to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

1. Clean & Clear Out Debris

As fall sweeps through, it'll leave a trail of leaves, twigs, and other debris behind in your driveway. Before heading into winter, you'll want to create a clean slate by clearing away this debris. Left unaddressed, this build-up will become buried under the snow, where it can cause damage.

After thoroughly sweeping the driveway, pressure wash the surface. This step will provide a deep clean by penetrating the asphalt and stripping away unwanted oil and chemicals, therefore preventing any chemicals from destroying your asphalt sealant.

2. Seal Cracks

While small cracks in your driveway may seem harmless, they can become problematic when they fill with runoff. In the winter, the water will freeze and refreeze if it doesn't have a chance to dry. This will make the cracks larger and can potentially create potholes. Sealing your driveway in the fall will provide a protective border, preventing water and air from permeating your asphalt.

3. Address Drainage Problems

Sitting water can spell disaster for your driveway, reducing its lifespan. In addition to freezing and creating large cracks, water can discolor the surface, encourage algae growth, and break down the protective sealant. To avoid these issues, address drainage problems in the fall. A professional can even help redesign your driveway with a drainage plan in mind.

If you need driveway or road maintenance services in Flathead Valley, Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, or Lakeside, Montana, contact the professionals at Valley Excavating. For over 20 years, this premium land clearing company has specialized in everything from road maintenance to land clearing and driveway digging. With quality customer service at the forefront of everything they do, they provide free estimates for projects large and small. Call (406) 857-2086 to schedule your initial consultation, or visit them online for more information about their services.