Preparing Your Driveway For Winter

Winter is here, and it’s no question that the conditions can take a toll on your asphalt driveway in Minneapolis or St. Paul. Frozen precipitation puts pressure on your asphalt and can create cracks among the surface, which then leads to foundation problems. Before you know it, simple, inexpensive fixes have now become expensive and lengthy repair projects. To prevent this, it’s important that you are proactive and take necessary preventions against the cold weather:

Snow Removal: Large, heavy amounts of snow add pressure to your driveway. If you don’t have the proper time or resources to remove the snow yourself, you can hire a snow removal expert.

Inspect Your Tools: If you will be removing snow yourself, make sure your tools are ready to do the job right. Most snow blowers will need maintenance after sitting unused during all the warmer months.

Add Sealant: Any cracks in your driveway can fill with rain or melted snow. When it freezes, it expands and creates even larger cracks. To avoid this, invest in sealcoating services which will protect your driveway from precipitation for about 3 years.

Use the Right Ice Melt: Not all ice melt works the same. Avoid products that include ammonium, including fertilizers. Look for calcium-based ice melts instead.