Tips for Maintaining Your Driveway in Winter

Living in the UK, we are subject to rather cold and wet winters. Whilst we can hide indoors, sitting by the fireplace away from the harsh winter weather, driveways are constantly exposed to the elements. Months of low temperatures, high levels of precipitation, ice and snow can take effect on the surface of your driveway. Here are our top tips to keep your driveway in good condition this winter:

Keep it clean

Keeping your driveway clean and tidy is essential for preparing the surface for the winter. It is also important to clear any fallen leaves or other debris that collect on your drive during the autumn. Removing built-up dirt and stains will ensure the surface is ready to face the winter months without taking on any further damage from dirt build-up.

Repair any cracks

Any cracks in the surface of your driveway will make it more prone to water damage. Cracks will allow rainwater and snow to pass the surface level of your drive, and as the temperatures in the UK drop, this can then freeze. As it freezes, the water will expand, putting unwanted pressure on the surface causing the materials to shift, causing the materials to stay displaced. When driving over or stepping on these spots, this can cause even larger cracks to form, So be sure to fix any small holes or cracks to prevent larger cracks from forming. This will save you a lot of time and money in the future, and will drastically extend the lifespan of your driveway.

Apply sealant

Applying a sealant to your driveway is an essential part of maintenance for the winter. A sealant will fill any tiny holes or cracks, whilst also providing a protective layer to the surface. However, this should not be used as a means of fixing any significant cracks or damages you have - sealant should be applied after the damages have already been repaired.

Clear any snow/ice when it arrives

When it snows, you should remove it from the surface of your drive as soon as possible. This mitigates the risk of snow slowly building up over time which can cause you more hassle in the long-run, such as it seeping into any small holes or cracks you may have missed (or haven’t had time to repair) which can cause large cracks to form.

Avoid using salt or chemicals to remove ice

Although it may seem tempting to throw harsh chemicals or rock salt onto ice areas of your drive, this can cause more harm than good. When the ice melts it will mix with the chemicals or rock salt and will seep into the cracks which can weaken the foundations of your drive. Instead of using ice or abrasive chemicals, sprinkle sand on it instead. It won’t melt the ice, but it will provide some traction when moving your vehicle on and off it, or if you need to walk along it.

Use tools carefully

Asphalt and tarmac driveways can be brittle during winter temperatures, meaning they are more prone to damage. When removing snow or ice, be sure to use a plastic shovel or one that has a rubber blade - this will prevent you from making any indentations, which can grow into larger holes or cracks. If you want more help on how to properly maintain your drive, or if you’re looking to resurface your driveway, contact a member of our team - we’ll be more than happy to offer you our advice and/or ideas and work with you to plan and design the perfect surface for your property.