This winter, the weather won’t only affect your wardrobe—it may also threaten certain parts of your property, such as the driveway. However, with the proper preventive maintenance skills, you can minimize the damage. To learn more about how to care for your residential paving, consider the following do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Consider sealcoating.

When you seal your driveway, it gets a protective coating that prevents the absorption of moisture and the development of cracks and potholes. If it’s been a few years since your last sealcoating, consider scheduling this service again to safeguard your residential paving through the winter.

Clear off debris.

Before snow covers the ground for the season, clear your driveway of leftover fall debris. Well into winter, you may still find dead leaves, tree nuts, and twigs on the surface of the asphalt. If left there, this organic debris will adhere to the driveway and eat away at the surface, causing discolored imprints. Once frozen by sheets of snow and ice, they will be difficult to remove.

Don’t:

Use rock salt.

This de-icing material might be common on public roads that can’t be closed daily for shoveling, but you shouldn’t use it on your residential paving. Rock salt is corrosive, and it will break down the surface of the asphalt and shorten the life span of your driveway. To prevent guests from slipping on an icy surface, opt for sand or kitty litter instead.

Clear snow with a metal shovel.

While it might seem more efficient, a metal shovel is more likely to scratch the surface of your driveway, creating or worsening cracks and potholes. To avoid damage, use a plastic shovel and scoop the snow gently so that the edge of the shovel head is a half-inch off the ground.

If your residential paving needs professional repairs, turn to Tates Creek Paving of Lexington, KY. They offer both repairs for cracks and potholes, as well as protective services like sealcoating. With a fully licensed and insured team, rest assured your property is in capable hands. To learn more about their residential and commercial services, visit the website or call (859) 255-2501 today.