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Winter will be here before you know it, which means your asphalt driveway will be at risk. Freezing temperatures, snow, and ice can all do a number on your pavement, but there are steps you can take to safeguard your driveway. Here are a few effective maintenance tips to get you through the season. 

How Can I Maintain My Asphalt Driveway During the Winter?

1. Be Careful When Removing Snow

Shovels effectively remove snow from your driveway, but when used incorrectly, they can also cause cracks and chips to form. The same is true of snowplows, which are efficient but can damage asphalt if you’re not careful. If you’re concerned about damage, the best bet is to hire a professional company to clear snow during the winter. 

2. Have Cracks Repaired Immediately

Should any cracks occur in your asphalt driveway, don’t delay in repairing them. Cracks allow water to infiltrate the pavement, which can then freeze when temperatures drop. Upon freezing, asphalt will expand and more cracks can form. In addition to repairing cracks ASAP, the pavement should also be sealed once every three years or so to prevent water damage. 

3. Recommended Use Of De-Icing Agents

Salt de-icers make short work of ice and snow on your pavement, but may not be necessary in full sunlight - let the black asphalt do it’s job in the sun! If over-used, they may break down asphalt, but hold up better than concrete. In this case, other substances could be used to improve traction without damaging your driveway. This includes kitty litter and sand. 

4. Check Gutter Downspouts

asphalt drivewaysYour gutter and downspout system takes water from your roof and deposit to the ground below. When your downspout is incorrectly positioned, it could deposit water over your driveway and contribute to water damage. Check downspout positioning next time it rains and have the fixture redirected if the water is hitting your driveway. 

 

While proper maintenance is a must for all asphalt driveways, there will come a time when a replacement is needed. When that time comes, Jellisons Best Blacktop is there for homeowners throughout Shakopee, MN. With more than seven decades of experience, they’ll assess your current driveway to determine whether repair or replacement is best. From there, they’ll provide an accurate quote so you know exactly what to expect. See the full listing of services online, or call (952) 890-4664 for more information today. 

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