Winter can be harsh on your driveway, with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures conspiring to cause wear and damage. A well-maintained winter driveway not only boosts your home's curb appeal but is also essential for safety and preserving property value. 

This article delves into expert strategies for winter driveway upkeep, offering insights on how to effectively clear snow, prevent ice buildup, and protect the surface during the cold months. 

Maintaining a concrete driveway in the winter

Maintain the integrity of your concrete driveway during the winter months by regularly removing leaves and debris and de-icing all surfaces. 

Use a leaf blower or rake to keep the area clean and monitor for oil spills or substances that could stain or damage the concrete or asphalt. 

A yearly pressure wash can also remove any unsightly spots and reduce the risk of accidents. 
 

Safe De-icing Practices

To protect your driveway's surface during icy conditions, avoid using harmful de-icing chemicals that contain damaging sulfates or ammonium nitrates. Instead, opt for safer alternatives like salt, which should be used sparingly to prevent damage to vegetation and corrosion of metal. 

For better traction that won't harm your driveway or the environment, use natural sand or clay kitty litter as part of your winter driveway maintenance routine.

How to Keep Snow off Driveway

To keep snow off your driveway effectively, it's crucial to take proactive and timely measures. 

During snowfall, use a plastic shovel or a snowblower with rubber blades to clear the snow without damaging the driveway. For persistent snow, consider laying down a geotextile fabric that makes snow removal easier and reduces the need for de-icing products. 

Erecting a snow fence can reduce snow drifts on your driveway by disrupting wind patterns and causing snow to be deposited away from the driveway area. 

Whether you're using a home snowplow or a professional service, always ensure that the equipment doesn't scrape or gouge the driveway surface. 

If you’re hiring a service, seek recommendations to find a snow removal provider who is experienced and will use the proper techniques to avoid harming your driveway as part of their services.

How Do I Winterize My Driveway?

Apply a sealant to your driveway to safeguard it against the harsh winter elements. Available at local hardware stores, these sealants can prevent water from seeping into and damaging the driveway.

Fill any cracks that have appeared so that water is less likely to seep in and freeze, leading to unsightly buckling and cracking.

Post-Storm Response

Act quickly after a storm to remove snow and ice from your driveway. 

The cycle of freezing and thawing can be detrimental to the driveway's structure. Prompt removal can prevent the formation of ice that leads to surface damage, keeping your driveway in top condition throughout the winter season.

Your driveway can be expensive to restore. Maintaining it properly, especially over the winter months just as you do with the rest of your home will make it last far longer and keep it looking good.

Taking care of a home is a big responsibility, and there is always a new task, especially when it comes to winter cleaning 

Make clearing your driveway of snow and ice fun, and get the family to join in – it will be faster, and working together as a team makes any job more enjoyable.

For more winter cleaning tips, check out Coit’s Winter Cleaning Checklist. (https://www.coit.com/blog/general-home-cleaning/coit-winter-cleaning-checklist)