How to Winterize Your Asphalt Driveway
Introduction
It is relatively simple to maintain an asphalt driveway. Nevertheless, heat and cold can damage it in a few years. It is advisable to take specific measures to prepare your asphalt driveway for the winter season to ensure its surface is well protected against any damages that may be costly to fix or even warrant the installation of a new driveway later. Here are the basic things that you will need to do to ensure that you have the right kind of asphalt driveway in wintertime.
Inspect the Asphalt Surface
The first process involves a keen examination of the surface of your driveway in an effort to identify cracks or areas of the driveway with some damage. Concentrate on areas where water tends to infiltrate and has the most destructive effect when frozen and thawed. It is advisable to spray paint the affected areas so that you may be able to locate the areas quickly when you are ready to begin the repairs.
Clean the Driveway
It is essential to prevent the accumulation of debris, dirt, leaves, or stains from oil spills before the icy season begins. If there is any grease on the asphalt, scrape and sweep it up with a stiff broom and concentrated degreaser, if needed. Pressure washing is also a suitable method for removing oil stains or heavy-set mud from an asphalt surface. This ensures that no contaminants end up being locked in the ice layers, thus causing more harm to the equipment.
Seal Any Cracks
Proper sealing is one of the most crucial procedures when preparing your driveway for winter. The water that finds its way to pores, cracks, and spaces will freeze during winter, causing the cracks to widen and destroy pavement. If it is possible, try to sweep out the cracks and pour a cold asphalt crack filler meant for icy conditions into the holes. This forms a water-tight seal or, instead, a waterproof membrane.
Apply Concrete Sealer
Using the concrete and asphalt sealer on the driveway can give you a layer of protection against moisture seepage, de-icing chemicals, and UV radiation. Specific sealers are made for asphalt; just ensure that you apply them on a dry day when no rain is expected to fall for the next day. Use a paint roller to spread a thin coat to ensure it dries evenly.
Slope the Driveway Edge
Ensure your driveway has a slope to allow water to flow along its edge instead of accumulating on its surface. Employ a level tool to identify areas that may require more slope. If water stands on your driveway rather than draining off, you might decide to make small ditches or trenches along your driveway line.
Remove Vegetation
Remove any weeds or plants that have grown in the joint area along the perimeter of the driveway or in the flower beds, as necessary. As they grow with time they will present a problem when they rupture structures; Vegetation also retains moisture, which freezes and thaws.
Install Reflective Markers
Another good winter planning strategy is to line the borders of your driveway with reflective markers or poles. This is especially useful in winter to define the edge when the sediment has blanketed the carriageway so as not to lose the driveway edges.
Conclusion
Even though asphalt is a long-lasting material, there are several measures that can be taken to ensure that your driveway will be protected from the ravages of the extreme cold of the winter season and will, therefore, last even longer. Itβs essential to check for any damage, wash the surface, repair any cracks, apply a protective sealant, ensure that the surface slopes slightly towards the drain, clear vegetation, and place markers.
These preparations do not cost much and help you avoid pricey repairs, such as redoing the driveway in winter. In as much as the harsh winter season is fast approaching, it only takes a few working hours to ensure that your asphalt driveway is prepared to face the challenges that come with the season.