With constant ice and snow on the ground in winter, asphalt, which is naturally porous, will expand and contract, causing cracks. Cracks will allow water to seep through to the base which can significantly shorten the service life of your driveway. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your driveway this winter.
Use De-Icer Carefully
Deicers can be harmful to asphalt, so try to avoid using them. If you must use a deicer avoid using rock salt. Rock salt damages asphalt and isn’t effective at very low temperatures. Instead of using rock salt, use Calcium Magnesium Acetate, which is good down to negative 25 degrees Fahrenheit or Magnesium Chloride, which is good down to zero degrees Fahrenheit.
01/06/2022
Don’t Use Metal Shovels
Metal shovels can damage and scrape the surface of your asphalt driveway, so use a lightweight plastic shovel to remove snow from your driveway. Try to shovel early and often in order to prevent the snow or ice from building up on the asphalt.
A Snow Blowing Service Can Treat Your Driveway With Care
Using a winter snow blowing service is a safe way to remove snow and ice from your driveway, provided that the skid shoes or skid plates are adjusted to a position about ¼ of an inch above the top of the driveway. This can help prevent the snow blower from doing some of the same damage that a shovel could do.
Look out for Signs of Asphalt Failure
Watch your driveway for signs of asphalt failure like miniature cracks and potholes. Sealcoating your driveway will extend the life of the driveway for many years. Paving contractors get busy in spring, so scheduling your sealcoating far in advance can help ensure that you’re on the schedule. If you have more questions about what you can do to maintain your asphalt driveway this winter, contact us at Bradley Asphalt for free advice. We’ll be happy to help.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us for any further information you require:
Denver Office: 303-467-0631
Colorado Springs/Monument Office: 719-481-9411
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