During the winter months, your asphalt driveway may experience wear and tear due to heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and deicing materials. In fact, it’s not uncommon for homeowners to find their driveway cracked or full of potholes come spring. It is important to understand how the winter affects your driveway surface and what you can do to protect it. Below, learn how to care for your asphalt surface in the winter properly. 

What Cold Weather Does to Asphalt

Although winter weather can damage your driveway, it’s not necessarily the snow itself that’s the problem. Rather, it’s the steps you take to remove the snow that actually causes problems. Repeatedly plowing and scraping can wear away at the surface, making cracks bigger and pulling chunks of asphalt out. This leads to the creation of potholes. 

Freezing water can also damage asphalt driveways. If the driveway has cracks, and water gets in and freezes, the expansion can cause the cracks to worsen. This will eventually lead to potholes. 

How to Prevent Winter Damage to Your Driveway 

Install Properly

Keeping your driveway in prime shape throughout the winter begins with proper installation. An experienced asphalt contractor will ensure the surface is installed over a secure sub-base, which provides enough support to prevent cracking, shifting, and sinking. However, proper maintenance can also help prevent damage.

Sealcoat Regularly 

Having your asphalt sealed every two to three years can help prevent small cracks from getting bigger and keep water from seeping under the driveway. 

Take Care With Snow Removal

You can safely use a snowblower or plow on your driveway if there is a significant amount of snow. Once you get down to the bottom layer, use a shovel. This will avoid scraping the driveway and will prevent damage that can lead to cracks. If you have damaged areas, avoid plowing over them and use a shovel instead to avoid worsening the problem. 

Fix cracks

If your driveway has cracks, the winter will only make them worse due to the fluctuating temperatures. Repairing the damage as soon as you notice it can prevent the pavement from contracting and causing potholes, which can be more difficult and expensive to fix. 

 

If your driveway is damaged from previous winters, or you’re considering a full driveway replacement, the professionals at Art Tabasco & Sons Paving in Montgomery, NY, can help. They have proudly served clients throughout the Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, and Dutchess counties for over 35 years. The family-owned business provides expert driveway repairs, sealcoating, and paving services quickly and affordably. Visit them online to find out more about their services or call (845) 778-5584 to request a free estimate.