As a homeowner, having a concrete driveway is not only practical, but it’s also an amazing way to add beauty and curb appeal. However, with winter fast approaching, you need to take a few extra steps to keep your driveway looking terrific and avoid concrete repairs. Here’s what you need to know.

How to Take Care of Your Concrete Driveway During Winter

1. Clean & Seal Before Winter Hits

A concrete driveway needs sealing every five to ten years, depending on the sealer. Reactive chemical sealers deeply penetrate the concrete, lasting ten years or more. Sealing your driveway on schedule will help keep it looking it’s best, repel water from snow and ice, and prevent you from needing concrete repairs. 

2. Clear Snow & Ice

Leaving snow and ice on your driveway may cause cracks due to the freezing and thawing process. When this happens, water can find its way into small cracks in your driveway. When the water freezes, the cracks expand.

Then, when the water thaws, the process can happen all over again, enlarging the cracks. While there’s no need to rush out and clear snow and ice off every hour, it is something that should be done daily.

3. Use Caution With a Snowplow

Using a snowplow to clear snow from your driveway may seem convenient; however, if the plow scrapes your concrete, it may damage your driveway or create uneven surfaces. If you opt to use one, ensure the plow is high enough that it avoids scraping the concrete.

You can get an idea of how high the plow needs to be by measuring the snowfall on your driveway. Alternatively, you can opt to use a shovel or snowblower to clear your driveway.

4. Avoid Deicing Chemicals

Using deicing agents on your driveway can cause problems, like scaling and spalling, which is when concrete starts to disintegrate. The surface damage from these agents may lead to concrete repairs. The best deicing agent that won’t harm your concrete driveway is calcium chloride.

5. Don’t Park Heavy Equipment on Your Driveway During the Winter

The weight of heavy equipment is not good for your concrete, as it may cause surface cracks. This is especially true during the winter when snow and ice may already be adding an extra load to your driveway. If possible, keep heavy vehicles and equipment away from your concrete driveway.

 

If your driveway needs concrete repairs, contact the professionals at Ackerman Contractors. They have over 25 years of experience serving the Columbia, MO, area with concrete repairs, customized paving, and more. You can see a list of their services online or contact them at (573) 999-3210 for your free estimate.