Winter has always been harsh, especially on our driveways. Between the scraping of snow shovels and snowplows, the freezing and thawing of ice and snow, and the heaps of salt spread along slippery pathways, it’s no surprise that we see asphalt shifting, settling, cracking and crumbling after a rough winter season.
“Winter weather is hard on the driveway. Thankfully, there are simple solutions to keep yours healthy season after season,” says Riccardo Iannello, part-owner of Kings Valley Paving (KVP) – one of the industry’s leading paving companies.
If you own an asphalt driveway, Riccardo says preventative maintenance is key. To start, consider resealing your driveway every one to two years to protect the surface and keep water and salt from permeating the cracks and pores.
“Not only will it prevent your driveway from expanding with the freeze and thaw cycles, but it also gives your driveway a crisp black appearance that will make your house and surrounding foliage stand out.”
Next, he notes, swap out your metal snow shovels for plastic alternatives that will reduce the risk of chipping, scraping and damaging your driveway.
“I always suggest using a plastic shovel or snow blower instead.”
For slippery walkways, Riccardo suggests opting for sand over salt.
“Rock salt may be fast, but it does way more harm than good,” he adds. “It eats everything in its path, leaving divots in your driveway and damage to your surrounding foliage.”
“If you need to salt, opt for a light dusting of finely ground calcium chloride that will break down faster and do less damage than coarse industrial road salts.”
If you’re ready to replace your asphalt driveway and looking for alternatives, Riccardo says heated driveways and eco-friendly permeable pavers are great options.
Heated driveways are more expensive than traditional asphalt driveways, but they are so effective you won’t ever need to shovel.
“My father has a heated driveway. As soon as the snow hits the driveway, it melts and dissipates.”
If you’re looking for a sustainable driveway that will outlive any asphalt, Riccardo highlights eco-friendly permeable pavers.
Traditionally used in large-scale commercial projects, these pavers are designed with special spacer bars and wider joints that significantly reduce excess rainwater pooling on the surface.
“They look great and reduce slippery spots on your driveway by redirecting the water to your surrounding landscape.”
The key is finding the right company to craft your driveway. At KVP, every project comes with a one-year workmanship warranty that covers any repairs due to frost and settling ground. While no driveway is infallible, if built right and well cared for, you’ll have a strong driveway for years to come.
TEXT SHELANNE AUGUSTINE
