Power Wash Your Driveway

The first and probably most important step to winterizing your road is pressure washing it. Before you can inspect the surface for cracking or poor water drainage and sealcoat it, all debris and contaminants, including dirt and oil, must be blasted away. 

Power washing relies on high water pressure to eliminate all grime, mold, and any other debris you have on your road. This prepares your driveway for any needed crack filling or sealcoating before winter comes. In addition, because pressure washing removes all oil and grease buildup, which can create a serious slipping hazard when there is snow or ice, it helps keep you and your family safe.

Call your local power washing company to handle this job for you.

Look For Cracks & Fill Them!

Cracks are caused by daily vehicle and foot traffic as well as changing weather patterns. Especially here in Maryland, with the hot and humid summers and cold and wet winters, our driveways have to endure a lot. As a result, they will sooner or later wear down and crack. 

It’s vital that you do regular inspections of your pavement and look closely for any significant cracking. Even small cracks can be problematic in the winter; when water seeps in and then freezes, even the smallest cracks will expand and worsen. This will lead to expensive repairs or even driveway replacement later on. The best thing to do to avoid this is to fill any and all cracks before the cold comes. 

Ensure Adequate Water Drainage

As you do your inspection, also look to see if there is sufficient water drainage to prevent pooling. If water is able to sit on your driveway due to poor sloping, this will eventually create cracks and even potholes in the pavement. Save yourself money by hiring a professional paving contractor to inspect the area and make needed recommendations.  

Sealcoat the Surface

After you’ve filled all cracks and ensured proper drainage, consider sealcoating your road for added protection. We like to compare sealcoating to giving your pavement a thin, protective blanket to shield it from daily wear and tear and oil stains. We recommend sealcoating once every few years. If your road is due for a fresh coat of sealant, contact your local paving contractor today!

Keep Your Driveway Clear All Winter

So, you’ve done everything to prepare your pavement for winter and the snow is here. Does it stop there? Nope. To further protect your driveway, it’s essential that you regularly clear it of snow before it turns into ice. Don’t be afraid to get the shovel or plow out. If snow or ice is left to sit on the pavement for too long, it could cause water damage and wear down the surface. Bottom line: it’s important to clean your driveway before and during winter. We understand, shoveling and plowing can be tiresome and time consuming, but the effort will be well worth it – you’ll have a driveway that will last for years!