Are you wondering, “Can winter damage my concrete driveway?” While it may depend on where you live, winter can affect your concrete driveway in many ways.
One of the biggest dangers comes from snow and ice. This is because the moisture from snow and ice could seep into the cracks of your driveway and then refreeze, which often leads to big cracks. Melting snow could also lead to flooding, which can greatly damage a concrete driveway without proper drainage underneath.
Don’t let one of the issues above destroy your concrete driveway. Read on for ways to protect your concrete driveway from harsh winter weather:
- Properly prepare your driveway: The first step in preventing concrete damage is providing your driveway with proper winter maintenance. That means clearing away debris and removing any stains. To remove debris, you can use a broom to sweep it away. Removing stains can be a bit more difficult, sometimes requiring the use of cleaning products. Just be sure to do plenty of research on a cleaning product before using it on your driveway.
- Seal your driveway: It’s important to seal your driveway with a top-quality sealant every couple of years. This can help prevent decay and other types of damage. The frequency at which you should reseal your driveway can depend on local weather and the types of vehicles you park on your driveway. While it’s possible to reseal a driveway on your own, most prefer working with a concrete professional, which can help save time and ensure a top-quality resealing. That said, if you prefer to do things on your own, be sure to purchase or rent all the right tools and materials before getting started. This should include a protective sealant, push broom, glove, etc.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals: Certain chemicals can cause major damage to a concrete driveway. That’s why it’s important to do plenty of research before using any chemicals on your driveway. It’s especially important to avoid using rock salt driveway deice materials. Instead, use a product that features calcium chloride as its main ingredient to clear ice from your driveway. Using concrete-safe materials will help prevent rapid deterioration.
- Clear away snow and ice: Don’t let snow and ice build up on your driveway. Use a broom, blower or shovel to remove ice and snow as soon as possible. Allowing snow and ice to build up will make it much harder to remove over time.
- Take care of repairs as soon as possible: If you notice a crack in your driveway, be sure to contact an expert right away. Even the smallest cracks can result in major damage over time.
Talk to an expert
So how does winter affect your concrete driveway? As you can see, winter can cause major damage to your driveway if you don’t properly maintain it. Follow the steps mentioned above to help better protect your driveway this winter.
If you need advice on maintaining your concrete driveway, be sure to contact an expert. At Bri-Mic Construction, Inc., we can help you with all your concrete service needs.