Winter weather can be tough on your driveway. Constant exposure to snow, ice and freezing temperatures can lead to cracks, potholes and other forms of damage. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage. In today’s post, local gutter guard installer Gutter Helmet® of Cookeville shares tips to protect your driveway against winter damage.
Shovel Your Driveway
Make sure to remove snow buildup on your asphalt driveway promptly. Letting it sit for a long time increases the risk of damaging effects from the freeze-thaw cycle. Use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one to prevent damage to the asphalt. Be gentle when removing snow; otherwise, you could chip or scrape the protective layers of your driveway.
Never Use Rock Salt
Melt ice on your driveway using calcium chloride instead of rock salt. It creates fewer freeze-thaw cycles because it continues working to temperatures of 25 degrees below zero. Rock salt, meanwhile, has a melt limit of 25 degrees, causing far more thawing and freezing. The resulting brine will start seeping into the asphalt, damaging the driveway material and creating potholes and uneven surfaces.
Repair Cracks and Potholes
If your driveway already has minor or major cracks or potholes, have them repaired right away by a professional. This way, you minimize the chances of melted snow penetrating through the material and causing more damage.
Check Your Gutter System
See to it that your gutter system is in good condition. Get rid of clogs that might cause water runoff to spill and splash onto your driveway. Also, check the downspouts and make sure they divert melted snow on your roof away from your property.
For your gutter protection needs, turn to Gutter Helmet of Cookeville. As the leading gutter guard installer in the area, we are committed to protecting your home against the damaging effects of water damage. Call (866) 985-9982 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our exceptional gutter protection system. We serve homeowners in and around Cookeville, TN.
