Without the right protection and maintenance, winter weather can inflict serious damage on your driveway. Asphalt absorbs melting snow, which refreezes under the material and expands. Numerous freeze-thaw cycles can widen existing cracks and holes while creating new ones, resulting in a pitted driveway that’s unsightly and hazardous. If this is your first winter with an asphalt driveway, protect your investment with asphalt sealing services and other cold-weather maintenance.

How to Winterize Your Asphalt Driveway

1. Clear Debris

Sweep your driveway throughout the fall to keep leaves and other debris from accumulating. Debris can trap moisture, allowing it to penetrate unsealed asphalt. Leaves and branches can also get stuck to the paving material under snow and damage your snowblower or car. While sweeping your driveway, take the time to inspect for depressions and cracks.

2. Use a Snowblower or Plastic Shovel

Remove snow from your driveway as quickly as possible, so it doesn’t get the chance to melt and cause damage. To avoid scraping or damaging your pavement, work with a blower tool instead of a metal shovel. If you don’t own a snowblower or you want to rent one, use a plastic shovel to keep your driveway clear.

3. Repair Cracks & Holes

To create a barrier between your driveway and the elements, request asphalt sealing services from your local paving company. Sealcoating protects asphalt from snow and ice infiltration to keep it crack-free. Also, schedule pothole repairs with your paving company to prevent rainwater and melting snow from pooling.

4. Avoid De-Icing Products

Rock salt and other de-icing products contain harsh chemicals that degrade asphalt surfaces and harm the environment through runoff. If you don’t have time to shovel or use a snowblower, apply a Magnesium Chloride or Calcium Magnesium Acetate deicer to avoid chemical-related damage.

To fortify your asphalt driveway against winter weather, schedule asphalt sealing with Bennett Paving LLC in Cookeville, TN. This paving company has served Putnam County since 1970, offering asphalt sealing as well as paving, repair, and resurfacing services. Call (931) 858-4596 to get a free estimate, or learn more about their services online.