Tips to Protect Your Asphalt Driveway From Winter Cracking
While cracking is common with asphalt driveways, certain conditions increase the risk. Winter weather is one of the archenemies of asphalt driveways. As the freezing temperatures bite, you may start to notice cracks forming on the surface of your asphalt driveway, leaving you with no option but to perform crack-repairs post-haste. But why do asphalt driveways develop cracks during winter?
Asphalt driveways are highly susceptible to cracking during winter months because of frost heaving or action, which arises when water underneath the surface of the asphalt freezes and swells upwards because of freezing temperatures, in turn, resulting in formation of cracks. When it comes to dealing with cracking on asphalt driveways, it is always a good thing to act proactively. Here is a look at some of the actions you can take to forfend crack attacks on your asphalt driveway this winter.
Keep your driveway properly sealed.
Applying the right sealant is the first line of protection against cracking on asphalt driveway. High-quality asphalt sealers can prevent water from seeping through the asphalt into the underlying base of the pavement. Asphalt driveways should be resealed as part of ongoing maintenance to minimise water intrusion through the asphalt during winter months.
Ensure proper driveway drainage.
When the ice on your asphalt driveway starts melting, it is important to ensure it drains properly. For this reason, you should make sure your driveway trench drains are in good working order. Prior to the winter season, hire a plumber that offers drain cleaning service in order to allow for unobstructed flow of the melting ice. This will help prevent water from puddling on and around your driveway, something that can lead to cracks.
Use the right de-icer.
De-icers are designed to accelerate melting of ice by reducing the freezing point of water. However, it is important to know that not all ice-melting products are created equal. Avoid using any chemical-based de-icing agent that may be hard on your asphalt. Rock salt, for example, can damage your asphalt driveway and increase the potential for cracking. Use something milder to rid of the ice that accumulates on your driveway during winter days.
With these asphalt driveway care tips, you can minimise cracking that may occur on your driveway during the harsh winter season. In case you need asphalt crack repairs, contact an asphalt contractor. They will fix any cracks that may appear on your driveway before they can become larger and lead to more structural damage.
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