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6 – Steps to Protect Your Concrete Driveway from the Cold Weather

Protect Your Concrete Driveway

Even though winter is officially a few months away, it’s prudent to prepare for the cold weather now before the temperate drops further. This is important if you want to increase the longevity of your concrete driveway.

Remember, concrete driveways can last over three decades with regular maintenance. However, the lifespan of a concrete driveway can be much shorter if you’re reckless. The middle of fall is also the right time to have a contractor remove your driveway if it needs to be replaced. Keep an eye out for signs that suggest that you need concrete demolition services from a professional, experienced, and reputable contractor.

1. Look for cracks

Protect Your Concrete Driveway

Look for cracks before the temperate decreases and it starts to snow. Minor cracks may get worse in the winter. As the snow and ice thaws, the water will leak through the cracks. Later, the water will refreeze and expand, widening the cracks and damaging the infrastructure of your driveway.

You should apply a sealant in the fall to protect your driveway from more damage. If your driveway already has long, wide, and deep cracks, then your driveway may need to be removed. A reliable contractor can tell you if the cracks can be repaired, or if they’ll cause the surface to crumble.

A driveway with crumbled concrete can be bad for your vehicles. It can also result in accidents for people walking on the driveway.

2. Check for concrete sinks

Likewise, if parts of your concrete are sinking, then your driveway may need to be removed. Concrete sinks when water has leaked into the foundation and caused erosion. A contractor may inject products to help lift the sinking concrete, but these methods are expensive and not always successful.

3. Replace the driveway (if damaged)

Protect Your Concrete Driveway

Similarly, if you have potholes, then your driveway should be removed and replaced. A contractor can offer temporary repairs, but potholes are usually a bad sign. Potholes absorb water, which can further damage your driveway’s foundation. Moreover, potholes are terrible for your vehicle’s suspension. If your car regularly drives over potholes, then it’ll need expensive repairs down the road.

4. Keep the driveway clean

Once your driveway is repaired, remember to keep it clean and handle it with care. In the fall, use a brush, hot water, and liquid detergent to wash your driveway. Some homeowners mistakenly believe that they don’t need to clean their driveway in the winter. On the contrary, it’s important to clear your driveway of ice and snow, especially if you drive around the city.

5. Stay clear of harm

Protect Your Concrete Driveway

Most cities use harmful salts and chemicals to clear snow from the roads. These salts and chemicals can transfer from your parked vehicle to your concrete driveway, and cause damage. Shoveling these away can protect your driveway.

6. Be gentle

Remember to be gentle with your driveway when clearing the snow. Avoid using metal shovels, especially if they’re chipped. Try organic salt-free de-icers or other natural de-icers to melt the ice on your driveway. Salt can cause your concrete driveway to crack and erode. You may also consider using kitty litter. While this won’t melt the snow, it will provide more traction.

Feel free to contact the professionals

By taking some proactive measures, you can increase the longevity of your driveway and avoid hefty repair bills. If your driveway needs to be removed, then always hire a professional to get the job done better and faster.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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