Harsh winter weather can significantly damage asphalt driveways. When water seeps into the surface, it will freeze and cause the driveway to expand, which leads to cracks and other defects. However, it is possible to safeguard your asphalt from the worst of winter, provided that you know what to do.
Do: Have your driveway seal coated.
We don’t suggest seal coating a new driveway for at least 2-3 years, basically seal coating is far more of an aesthetic application, but due to the pavement curing, seal coating is not recommend during this time. You could schedule sealcoating every 5 years or so for aesthetic purposes and to ensure the surface is still protected against moisture.
Take care when shoveling asphalt driveways
Removing snow and ice from your driveway to prevent water damage is crucial, but be careful about the type of shovel you choose. Plastic shovels are best since they’re less likely to cause cracks in the pavement like a metal shovel would. You should also be diligent about shoveling every time it snows. Allowing snow to linger on the pavement will only wear it down faster.
Don’t: Ignore cracks.
Even small cracks in asphalt allow more water to flow under the surface. Fortunately, many minor cracks can be patched, which prevents further damage from occurring. The sooner you have cracks repaired, the better. If you wait too long, it’s likely that potholes will develop, which can damage your vehicle.
Use certain de-icers.
De-icers like rock salt can also damage asphalt by wearing down the surface. Additionally, rock salt is ineffective at melting ice if the temperature is 15° F or lower.
Consider an alternative like magnesium chloride. Due to its slow attack rate, it’s generally considered less corrosive when used correctly. It’s also effective at temperatures as low as -5 °F.
