A concrete driveway offers a strong yet aesthetically pleasing appearance to your home. It’s weather-resistant and holds up against everyday bangs and scrapes, but winter weather can take its toll on the surface. Here a few ways to protect your driveway against harsh, cold weather.

3 Ways to Protect the Driveway in the Winter

1. Avoid Deicer

Deicer deteriorates sealants and absorbs moisture. If the deicer works into cracks, it can bring the moisture with it. Although there is less of a chance of it freezing in the cracks until the next period of cold, the excess moisture nevertheless has access to the underlayers of the driveway. This can cause soil erosion and cause cracks to form under the concrete.

2. Remove the Snow

The weight of the snow is not a problem. However, snow melts and creates underlying pools of water, which can soak into the concrete. If the temperature drops back below freezing, the water can turn to ice and expand, causing cracks in the concrete. Snow on the sides of the driveway can also seep under the concrete and cause the soil to shift, eventually causing the concrete to break at the edges.

3. Use a Protecting Sealer

Using a sealer before the cold weather hits provides an extra layer of protection over the concrete. The sealant prevents thermal shock, which is the rapid heating or cooling of an object. The contracting-expanding process is dangerous to the integrity of a concrete surface, causing breaks and cracks to develop.

If you’re looking to seal your driveway before the cold hits, contact the professionals at Lazer Perfect Striping & Sealing in Nixa, MO. For over 25 years, they’ve provided homeowners and business owners throughout the Branson Tri-Lakes Area reliable concrete maintenance and repair. Call (417) 887-6604 to talk to a representative about a free estimate, or visit them online to review their services.