Living in a cold climate definitely has its drawbacks, but one of the worst is definitely ice and snow on your driveway. Not only is it a hassle to have to shovel and remove all that ice and snow, but it can also do a lot of damage to your asphalt. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to prevent damage from the build-up of ice and snow on your driveway, as well as how our team at Sealcoating 2.0 can help you take care of your asphalt year-round!
What Happens When There is Ice and Snow on Your Driveway?
When ice and snow build up on your driveway, they can cause a lot of damage. The weight of the ice and snow can crush the asphalt, resulting in cracks and potholes. In addition, when the ice and snow start to melt, they can seep into the cracks in the asphalt and cause even more damage.
Types of Damage Caused by Ice and Snow
And one of the best ways to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway from occurring is to be well versed in the type of damage that can be caused. So, what are some of the most common types of damage that you could experience when there is ice and snow on your driveway?
- Snowplow and scraping damage
- Crumbling near or around drainage areas and manholes
- Potholes
- Cracks that are bigger and longer than they were before
- Alligator cracking throughout the surface
The main culprit behind most of the damage caused by ice and snow on your driveway is oftentimes the freeze and thaw cycle. This happens because when ice and snow are on your driveway, the sun will start to melt them. Once they have melted, the water will seep into any cracks in the asphalt. And since ice is less dense than water, it will float and get pushed up into the crack. When this happens over and over again, it can cause a lot of damage to your driveway.
How to Prevent Damage from Ice and Snow on Your Driveway
Now that you know a little bit more about the types of damage ice and snow can cause, let’s talk about some tips on how to prevent it.
Avoid Certain Types of Shovels
One of the best ways to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway is to use the right tools. And one of the most important tools that you can use is a shovel. When choosing a shovel, make sure to avoid certain types that can do more harm than good. For example, never use a metal shovel because it will scrape the surface of your driveway and create more damage. In addition, try to avoid shovels with sharp edges because they can also do a lot of damage.
Know the Signs of Asphalt Failure
Another key way to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway is to be aware of the signs of asphalt failure. This will allow you to catch any potential problems before they get worse. Some of the most common signs of asphalt failure are potholes, cracks, and alligator cracking. If you see any of these signs, it’s best to call a professional to take a look and see if there is any damage that needs to be repaired.
Have Regular Sealcoating Services
A good way to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway is to have regular seal coating services performed. Sealcoating is a process that coats the surface of your driveway with a protective layer. This layer will help protect your asphalt from the sun, weathering, ice, and snow. In addition, it will help keep your driveway looking new for years to come.
Consider Using Porous Asphalt
The next option that you have to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway is to use porous asphalt. This type of asphalt has small pores in it that allow water to seep through. When the water seeps through, it will freeze and expand. And since the ice is less dense than water, it will push up into the crack and cause damage. However, if you have porous asphalt installed, the ice will not be able to push up into the crack and cause as much damage.
Go Easy on Salt and Snowmelt Chemicals
The next way you can work to prevent damage from ice and snow on your driveway is to go easy on the salt and snowmelt chemicals. When you use these chemicals, they can cause the asphalt to deteriorate prematurely. In addition, they can also corrode metal objects such as manholes, drainage grates, and gutters causing damage to numerous areas of your home.
Let our Team at Sealcoating 2.0 Help with all of your Asphalt Needs
Ice and snow on your driveway can cause quite a lot of damage to your asphalt. But by using the right tools, being aware of the signs of asphalt failure, and having regular sealcoating services performed, you can help prevent this damage from happening.
If you are in need of any asphalt maintenance or repair services, our team at Sealcoating 20 can help. We offer a wide range of services that include asphalt seal coating, crack filling, pothole repair, and more. So, if you are worried about the ice and snow damaging your driveway this winter, give us a call today for more information about our services and how we can help you protect your driveway year round!.