How To Protect Your Driveway From Winter Weather Damage

Winter weather can wreak havoc on many aspects of your home, including your driveway. During the winter, your driveway will get exposed to rain, sleet, snow, hail, and freezing temperatures. As a result, driveways commonly have cracks, potholes, fractures, and other forms of unsightly damage at the end of the season. There is no need, however, to raise your white flag and accept that your driveway will look worse for wear by the time spring rolls around. You can protect your driveway from the damaging effects of winter weather in many ways. Learn more about how to protect your driveway here.

Sealcoat your driveway

The best way to prep your driveway for snow and ice is by preparing well in advance. One of the best ways to do so is by sealcoating your driveway. Sealcoating refers to applying a sealing coat onto your driveway to protect against the elements, such as water, oil, and the sun. Since sealcoating can only properly cure when the temperature is at least 50 degrees, it must be applied before winter hits. If you didn’t sealcoat your driveway at the right time this year, make sure to make an appointment with Paragon Protection to sealcoat your driveway before next winter.

Break out your shovel

Shoveling your driveway doesn’t just make it easier for you to drive in and out of your garage, it also helps protect your asphalt from common causes of damage. When snow and ice melts onto your driveway, it can seep into the concrete and cause water damage. To prevent ice on your driveway, shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls.

Be gentle

While your asphalt driveway may not appear all that fragile, it is prone to damage if you use too much force while shoveling. As such, you should make sure not to be too harsh and avoid chopping at ice when shoveling. Doing so can accidentally chip your driveway or scrape any protective layers off it. For optimal driveway protection, use a plastic or rubber-bladed shovel instead of a metal one.

Repair potholes immediately

The longer potholes hang out on your driveway, the more likely they will make themselves comfortable and spread out, causing more damage. You should always repair potholes as soon as possible after first noticing them.

Paragon Protection is a leading provider of sealcoating services in the Chicagoland area. Our sealcoating services include minor asphalt repair, hot crack fill, and striping to help preserve and maintain the appearance of your driveway or other asphalt surface. In addition to offering sealcoating services, Paragon Protection is also an insulation installation company. To further help prepare your home for cold weather, check out our wide variety of insulation options. Contact us today to learn more about our home improvement services.