Winter Asphalt Maintenance?
Many homeowners invest a lot of time and money into their property. And for some folks, having a cleaned driveway that looks new is a necessity. A clean-looking driveway will complement the outside of any home. However, this is only if it’s properly maintained. Neglecting the maintenance your driveway needs is no excuse, especially during Winter. Winter is when residents in Westchester and Putnam counties need to spend extra time caring for their driveways. The freeze-thaw cycles that are caused by ice can create potholes and cracks in asphalt. One small pothole can lead to extensive damage down the road, including costly repairs. That’s why it’s crucial for homeowners to know how to maintain their driveways. Here are some Winter asphalt maintenance tips from the Northern Construction Team.
Winter asphalt Maintenance Tip 1: Get Those Cracks Filled
One small crack can lead to many more! Eventually, your entire driveway can be filled with them. Cracking occurs when water gets underneath the asphalt and freezes. The freezing and thawing of ice cause the asphalt to shift until it cracks. Use a good crack filler from your local hardware store to fill small cracks. Larger cracks may require a sealer to completely close them off.
Tip 2: Prevent Puddles From Forming
Standing water in your driveway can be a problem. When it freezes, it can turn into black ice and become hazardous for people and vehicles. Water will always pitch towards the low point of a driveway. Any small depression in the asphalt may cause water to pool. Over time, pooling water will gradually weaken the pavement and may cause potholes.
Tip 3: Removing Debris
Garbage, leaves, and other obstructions left in your driveway from the Fall can become obstructions. It’s important to clear your driveway of any debris before it begins to freeze. Frozen debris can get stuck to asphalt and potentially damage plows or snowblowers if caught. Make life easy for yourself and clean your driveway in preparation for winter!
Tip 4: Use A Quality De-Icer
We recommend using Vaporizer rock salt for ice removal. Vaporizer is effective at temperatures as low as 15°F for effective ice removal. It works well in most salt spreaders for easy application. If you would like to read more about this product, Click here!
