Winter is fast approaching, and you are very busy prepping your home’s exterior and interior. While you plastic the windows, clean the gutters, have your chimney inspected, and change the batteries on the smoke detector, don’t forget to pay close attention to your driveway surface!
Even the most well-maintained driveway can experience winter-related damage. That damage can cost you thousands in unnecessary repairs.
NVN Paving: Your First Defense Against Winter Season Damage
Proper driveway preparation will prevent damage from frost heaving and cracks, amplify drainage issues, and, worst of all, serious potholes that require costly repairs. Luckily, it doesn’t cost a small fortune to protect your driveway from Mother Nature’s wrath!
Start this process in the fall to get a head start on your exterior winterizing, and follow this definitive, step-by-step guide to getting driveways ready for winter:
Maintenance is the Key to Protecting a Property
The maintenance of your property in winter can seem overwhelming. However, with a bit of preparation and help from expert driveway paving services in NJ, you can avoid winter weather-related asphalt repair. Protect your investment from other damage with the help of a top asphalt paving company nearby: NVN Paving!
Start Preparing Before Snow Arrives
Don’t wait until December to start prepping your driveway for winter – Instead, begin the process in the late summer or early fall.
Remember, scheduling an appointment to repair cracks and asphalt holes can take a few weeks. Get ahead of the game by getting a free quote from the team at NVN Paving long before winter arrives.
Inspect Your Driveway Surface and Pavement Before the First Snowfall
Carefully check every square inch of your driveway for cracks, holes, and similar damage. Even seemingly small cracks and minor damage can become a massive problem after snow and ice cover your driveway. Taking a few minutes to take note of damage can save you from extensive repairs in the spring.
Take A Short Walk On Your Driveway: The Importance of Sealant and Repairing Small Cracks And Other Damage
Luckily, repairing driveway cracks is a simple, straightforward process that a professional paving contractor can handle in a single afternoon.
Whether you have an asphalt, concrete, or paved driveway, don’t worry – The pros at NVN Paving can make any necessary repairs before the first snow falls and discuss the importance of driveway sealing.
Get a Leg Up On Your Neighbors: Hire Snow Removal Services in Advance
Many New Jersey homeowners don’t have the time or equipment to clear snow from their driveway or sidewalks.
Outsourcing your snow removal to a professional is a convenient option. Make sure the company uses equipment that won’t damage your driveway. Just like prepping your driveway for winter weather, always contact plow company companies in the fall!
Be Careful When You Shovel Snow or Clear Snow With Your Snow Blower
Let’s face it: no one likes shoveling their driveway, and the last thing you are concerned with when it is below freezing, and you have a shovel in hand is damage to your driveway.
You would be amazed at how easily old, clunky metal shovels can scrap away driveway sealant -Instead, always clear snow from your walkways and driveways with a lightweight plastic shovel.
As the Snow Melts: Keep An Eye Out For Drainage Problems
Spring is fast approaching, and the snow is finally melting. Unfortunately, this also means that if you did not properly care for your driveway during the colder months.
Chances are, you will experience drainage problems once the warmer temperatures arrive. Clear snow away immediately, and there are options if you are experiencing issues with improper drainage.
Install French drains or plant trees and flowers to soak up the excess moisture.
Melting Snow Can Damage Your Driveway, Sidewalks, and Landscaping
Improperly sealed driveways can allow moisture to seep into the materials, and water freezes during winter and naturally expands, leading to a phenomenon called freeze-thaw weathering.
Sealing the driveway and clearing away snow and ice ASAP is your first defense against this damage.
Snow, Freezing Rain, and Nasty Winter Weather: Prevent Slips This Winter Season With De-Icing Salts
You obviously walk on your driveway, meaning you need to melt ice and snow and increase traction through the regular application of an ice melt.
However, did you know that several varieties of ice melt can actually harm waterways, damage your car, and make your pets sick – Choose a product that is labeled “pet safe!”
Melt Snow Without Damaging Your Driveway or Harming Your Pet
Read the back of your ice melt container before application, and watch out for the following ingredients:
- Sodium chloride: A main ingredient in rock salt, this product is not effective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and direct contact with rock salt can cause skin irritation.
- Calcium chloride: Although effective, this product can severely damage concrete driveways and should be avoided.
- Carbonyl Diamide: Steer clear of carbonyl diamide, especially if you have pets, because it is potentially lethal if ingested.
Use Sand Instead of Rock Salt and Dangerous Chemical Ice Melt For De-Icing
In a pinch before a massive winter storm? A thin layer of sand will improve traction and prevent slippery surfaces from causing serious injury to friends, neighbors, and family.
Work With the Team at NVN Paving to Ensure Ice and Snow Don’t Damage Your Concrete Surfaces or Asphalt Driveway
The first snowfall is forecasted, but you aren’t worried about your driveway because you hired the team at NVN Paving to ensure your asphalt, concrete, or pavers are ready for whatever Mother Nature has in store! In addition to providing comprehensive residential services, we also offer NJ commercial paving and can repair any damaged driveway in New Jersey!
NVN Paving: Our Philosophy Is Simple
We strive for excellence, and our customer service, quality materials, and impeccable installation are the best in the New Jersey area. Hire us, and you will be working with the top-rated paving company in the area! Contact us today for a free estimate on all materials and labor.
Our Customers Also Ask
Can I pretreat my driveway before it snows?
The best way to pretreat your driveway before snow is to take the following steps:
- Contact a paving company to apply sealant: Call NVN to have your driveway sealed before snow and ice lead to costly repairs.
- Patch any holes and fill cracks: Start the winter season by filling gaps and repairing cracks; you can purchase a kit at your local home improvement or hardware store or have a professional tackle this project.
- Apply a thin layer of ice melt: Sprinkle ice melt on the driveway right before the first snowflakes fall.
How do you winterize a concrete driveway?
Winterizing your concrete driveway only takes a few hours and includes the following:
- Clean the concrete: Use a broom, dish soap, and your garden hose to clean the concrete.
- Resurface the driveway: Schedule an inspection and consider resurfacing your concrete, especially if the driveway is several years old.
- Repair any damage: Just like an asphalt driveway, ensure any damage is repaired before snow removal.
- Spread ice melt: Avoid rock salt and calcium chloride, as both products will degrade your concrete driveway.
