The worst time of year for driveways is coming up, winter. In Michigan, winters are especially tough on your driveway. The freezing and melting ice works its way under your driveway, expands, and cracks the pavement repeatedly. It makes small cracks and potholes into larger ones, and then by the time spring rolls around you’ll find a beaten-up driveway once it thaws out. If you want to avoid the trouble of fixing lots of damage to your driveway, follow these tips for protecting it this winter.

Sealcoat your driveway before the cold weather hits

The most effective preparation you can do on your driveway before winter comes is sealcoating it. Having a professional team seal up your driveway will keep water from working its way into the cracks of your driveway, where it can expand and make the damage worse. Plus, a fresh sealcoat on your driveway improves its appearance.

Be careful with driveway salt

Depending on your driveway’s material, driveway salt can break it down and make the damage worse. Asphalt is resistant to the chemicals in rock salt, so it won’t be affected. But concrete will be weakened by repeated exposure to those chemicals as they melt with the snow and ice.

Have your driveway repaired before winter

You may be waiting until after the winter to get your driveway repaired, but it’s better to get it done beforehand. If you have existing damage that you wait until winter has passed to fix, the damage will be worse and the repair needed will be more extensive. But, if you fix your driveway before winter, it will be ready to withstand the cold and ice without getting damaged.

Total Asphalt Paving | Asphalt driveway repair and replacement

Having a driveway that isn’t filled with cracks and potholes isn’t only good for the appearance of your home, but it’s safer for your vehicles and for you. Icy driveways are tough enough to walk on without adding potholes that can be disguised under snow and ice. And that rough surface will take a toll on your vehicle’s tires and suspension over time. Let the experts at Total Asphalt Paving repair or replace your asphalt driveway before winter hits and makes the damage worse.

To schedule an appointment, give us a call at (586) 752-9060 or send in an online contact form today!