If you’re a home owner and have an asphalt or concrete drive way you’ll know that they do not come cheap. Most driveways cost anywhere from $2000 to $5000 and that’s not even including repairs overtime. Since this is a very pricey hassle you want to make every inch of concrete last as long as possible. Those from New England are especially prone to the potential damage from the extremely cold weather. Here are essential tips and insights you’ll need in order to protect your driveway throughout the winter.

Know How Cracks Form

When rain or snow sit on your driveway they can make their way deep into the driveway. When they freeze the ice will expand and go back to its original form once it melts. The constant reforming of the concrete will cause the concrete to crack overtime.

Driveways can also crack due to frost heave. Frost heave occurs when the soil beneath effects the surface. The same logic applies to the soil, as it expands and contracts due to the weather. Frost heave can cause your driveway to curve and morph, increasing the chances for disruptive cracks but also unnatural curves and bumps.

Heavy automobiles like delivery trucks and vans can put a lot of stress on your driveway. These types of vehicles speed up the process of cracks forming. They usually deform and wear out the driveway very quickly, increasing the chance to damage your vehicle. Try to keep these vehicles parked to the side or another place if possible to prevent quick wear.

Clear The Snow

Having to pick up the shovel is a pain in the butt although it will save you hundreds of dollars you invested into your driveway. It is tempting to just let the snow to build and clean several days of snow in one go. But when you let snow and ice to sit for a while it is harder to clean it up after. This will greatly reduce the risk of any crack even forming throughout the freezing season.

Hiring someone to shovel your driveway is much cheaper than having to repair cracks on your driveway. Clearing out the driveway prevents your driveway from freezing and that reduces the need for rock salts which are very dangerous against driveways. This is vital especially if you were not able to cover your driveway in a protective coat prior to the snowy season.

Take the time to clear your driveway with a driveway friendly shovel. Use a plastic shovel that doesn’t have metal as an edge. You will thank yourself preserving the lifetime of your driveway. This will prevent scratching and wear from the shovel and in turn will keep your driveway stronger.

Avoid Corrosive Materials

Rock salts may seem necessary any time it snow but they can do more harm than help. These materials breaks down the concrete or asphalt and speed up the process for cracks to form in your driveway.

These salts are extremely dangerous for a driveway less than two years old. Sand is a good temporary alternative to prevent slipping on your driveway. After using sand to prevent slipping you will want to clean up your driveway quickly as the freezing from ice can pose a bigger problem later.

Winter, Your driveway, and You

Driveways can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years depending on how well you take care of them. Take the time to protect your driveway from cracks or deforming soil from beneath. As some may say a driveway is only as good as its owner. Keep these tips in mind to prevent you from losing money from repairs and to keep your driveway happy.