Concrete is advertised as the fuss-free option for homeowners because it’s relatively strong and does not require massive amounts of maintenance. This doesn’t mean that you should neglect your concrete driveway during the winter. In fact, to make your concrete last longer here are a few practices that you should follow.
Schedule a cleaning
The first step towards getting your driveway ready for winter is cleaning the concrete. The easiest way to do this by power washing the driveway. After it is washed, it’s best to seal the driveway to prevent harsh weather conditions from impacting the concrete’s integrity during the winter season.
Avoid deicing chemicals
Concrete is considered to be unaffected by water, but this is false. Concrete is actually a porous material, which is why it’s best to seal your concrete driveway. When chemicals are applied onto concrete surfaces that are not sealed, they seep into the concrete. These chemicals will then freeze and thaw all throughout the colder months causing surface damage. Furthermore, this can lead to scaling and spalling. Scaling is when the surface of the concrete begins to peel or flake away. Spalling is when large sections of the concrete flake away.
Clear away snow ASAP
It’s a chore to shovel your driveway every snowfall, but it’s necessary. Concrete driveways tend to crack when snow and ice accumulate on the surface for long periods of time. This is causes by moisture and water seeping into the pavement which expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws.
What you clear the snow with is also important. If you scrape the surface of your driveway you risk damaging the concrete. Outdoor experts recommend that if you are using a snowplow, that the blade is high enough off the ground so it does not scrape your driveway.
Big vehicles are a no go
When it comes to the age-old argument of who gets to park on the driveway, the smallest vehicle wins. Parking larger vehicles on a concrete driveway causes unnecessary stress on your driveway. Larger vehicles and equipment should be parked elsewhere to ensure that your concrete driveway lasts longer.