13 tips to protect your driveway in winter

Did you know? Winter presents a significant threat to your driveway. Freeze-thaw cycles affect the integrity of the surface. A simple crack or pothole can result in costly work. When ice and snow melt, they accumulate water, which can cause damage. 

Protect your investment from winter weather with these expert tips!

To do before winter

Preventive measures taken before winter arrives go a long way to protecting your driveway. Follow these steps to prepare your driveway for the cold season ahead!

1. Give your driveway a thorough cleaning

The first step is very simple: clear your driveway. This will prevent bulky items from freezing and damaging the roadway during the long winter months. Most debris or items that freeze can cause problems. For example, items hidden under the snow can be snagged by snow removal trucks.

Remove all debris from drainage systems, such as gutters, to prevent water from pooling and freezing. Good drainage helps minimize the risk of ice formation.

Also consider trimming shrubs and bushes that are along your driveway. Overhanging branches can drop heavy loads of snow on your driveway, causing damage. 

2. Repair cracks and holes

If you see asphalt cracks at the beginning of winter, they will only get worse as the cold weather sets in. It is essential to have them repaired by hiring professionals. For very small holes or cracks, you can use a mixture of salt and sand to fill them, but this is only a temporary solution. 

To fill very small holes or cracks, you can use a mixture of salt and sand. Although this is a temporary solution, it will prevent water from seeping in and causing further damage during freeze-thaw cycles. 

3. Applying Sealant

Apply a new coat of sealant to protect your driveway surface from moisture, freezing temperatures and chemicals. Sealing should ideally be done every 2-3 years, depending on wear and tear.

Here’s how to know if your driveway needs a new sealant:

• It has been over 3 years since your entrance was sealed.
• The presence of cracks is increasingly visible.
• The surface of your driveway looks dry and grainy.

4. Inspect your shovels and winter tools

It seems harmless, but it is common to use the same shovel for many years. However, a damaged or slightly imperfect metal tool can damage your driveway when you shovel. This action often requires a lot of force and it is difficult to know if we are making direct contact with the asphalt. 

That’s why it’s important to get quality equipment to maintain your driveway all winter long.

5. Spread salt before the first snowfall

Take a preventive approach by spreading salt or a salt-sand mixture to slow down ice formation in your driveway. This will start melting the snow as soon as it arrives and make it harder for it to stick to the ground.

As a result, snow removal will be much easier, especially if your snow removal service has not yet taken care of your property.

To do during winter

6. Beware of water accumulation

In addition to forming ice and making your driveway slippery, water can be damaging to asphalt and concrete. If you see water accumulating in the same place over and over again, you may discover a pothole in the spring! Repair compromised areas of your asphalt surface as soon as possible. If the season is already well underway, schedule a spring maintenance service to complete the repair before the problem worsens as the weather warms up.

If it is a spontaneous accumulation of water due to snow melt, simply use a shovel to remove the water from your driveway. 

To prevent water from accumulating in your gutters, get a downspout extension. This allows you to redirect water away from your driveway.

7. Shovel regularly

To properly protect your driveway continuously throughout the winter, the main thing you need to do is make sure that snow and standing water are removed as they accumulate. Shovelling regularly requires little effort, but it can make a huge difference. Getting rid of snow before it melts and causes problems will save you a lot of time and money!

If you wish, you can use a snow blower to get rid of the snow. However, this requires a more careful approach. Snags in small cracks and potholes can occur with a snowblower, which can damage the surface.

Here are a few tips for efficiently clearing snow and ice from your driveway:

• Invest in a sturdy shovel of the right size for the area you need to clear.
• Use a plastic shovel. Metal shovels can scratch and damage the surface of your driveway. Opt for a plastic shovel to minimize the risk of scratches.
• Avoid using sharp objects on ice. Scraping ice with metal tools or sharp objects can damage the surface of your driveway. Instead, use non-abrasive ice melters or a rubber-edged ice scraper.
• Always create piles of snow in the same places. Choose an area away from your driveway to pile up the snow you've cleared.

8. Use de-icing and anti-skid products with caution

Products like salt and sand are effective and can ensure your safety. However, it is important to choose them according to the circumstances. Each of these products has different capabilities and uses. 

Salt has corrosive properties and should not be used in excessive quantities (especially if your asphalt is fragile). 

Sand is safer for your driveway surface, but it does not melt snow. Its job is to make icy surfaces more adherent to prevent falls. 

See our complete guide on how to properly de-ice your driveway in winter.

9. Use heated mats

Placing heated mats in strategic locations is a practical way to reduce the need for shoveling and increase the safety of your home's entrance. Position them on stairs, sidewalks, or any other areas where you frequently walk.

10. Move vehicles

If possible, try to move cars or other obstacles before a heavy snowfall. This proactive step will make snow removal with shovels and snow blowers much easier once the storm has passed.

11. Set up markers

During heavy snowfall, the boundary between your driveway and the rest of your yard can become unclear, making it difficult to determine where to shovel and clear snow. Consider installing markers to better define the edges of your driveway throughout the winter. You can purchase driveway markers at most hardware stores.

If you hire a professional snow removal service, they will likely install their own markers

To do after winter

12. Post-Winter Maintenance for your Driveway

When spring arrives, take the opportunity to assess the condition of your driveway. If repairs are necessary, don’t delay. The sooner the cracks are repaired, the better protected your driveway will be during the next winter. 

• Inspection: Examine your driveway carefully for any signs of cracks, potholes or surface damage caused by winter conditions. Note anything that needs special attention.
• Repair: Use a high-quality patching compound or asphalt repair material to repair any cracks or potholes that have developed. Call in the professionals if the damage is too extensive.
• Cleaning: Remove any debris, sand or de-icing residue from your driveway. Use a broom or leaf blower to sweep away dirt and particles that may have accumulated during the winter.
• Sealing: If your driveway sealant is worn, consider applying a new coat to protect it. This will help extend its life and maintain its appearance.

12. Consider installing a heating system

If maintaining your driveway is challenging for various reasons, investing in a heated driveway system is a great solution against winter weather.

An electric system installed beneath the surface keeps your driveway free of snow and ice, ensures constant traction, and eliminates the need for manual snow removal.

Frequently asked questions

What problems does asphalt face in winter?
Winter conditions are known to damage asphalt surfaces. Rain and snow seep into cracks in the pavement and freeze when temperatures drop, worsening the cracks.

This creates a vicious cycle that can be mitigated by filling holes and cracks as soon as you notice them.

How can you protect your concrete driveway from freeze-thaw cycles?
Freeze-thaw cycles can cause both internal and external cracks, as well as surface scaling. Internal cracks form due to air or water pockets created during the concrete mixing process. These pockets expand when exposed to freezing temperatures, leading to cracks.

To protect your driveway, we recommend using a concrete sealant and opting for high-quality concrete.

Is it a good idea to use hot water to melt ice on my driveway?
Although using hot water may seem like a quick way to melt ice, it has drawbacks. The melted ice can quickly refreeze, creating new slippery surfaces.

Instead, it’s best to use appropriate de-icing products, which offer a more effective and long-term solution.

When is the best time to start preparing my driveway for winter?
It’s recommended to start winter preparations in late fall before the first frost. Milder weather conditions make it easier to apply sealant and complete necessary repairs.

How can I remove snow from my driveway withtout damaging it?
To safely remove snow while protecting your driveway, use tools like a snow blower or a plastic shovel. These are less likely to damage the surface compared to metal shovels, which can crack asphalt and concrete.

Any Other Questions?

For all questions regarding the condition and maintenance of your driveway, contact our experts in the field.