With winter weather on the horizon, there’s no question that much of the United States will receive its fair share of snow and ice this season. But the morning commute isn’t the only thing that’s affected by winter weather – so is pavement, and using the wrong deicing products and improper shoveling can just add to any existing issues or increase the likelihood that issues may occur. And beyond all this, it’s important to ensure safety when walking on such in the winter.
This post will take a closer look at winter walkway and driveway maintenance so that you can ensure personal safety while not damaging your pavement as well.
Preventative Maintenance
Freezing temperatures, frost, snow and ice can do a number on your walkway and driveway pavement – especially if there are existing cracks or holes. Freezing temperatures can cause pavement to chip apart as water gets inside and freezes. As water freezes, it expands. This can potentially lead to costly repairs or a complete repaving if the damage becomes too extensive. There are few things you can do before the first frost to prevent this (and more), however. Here's a look:
- Fill cracks and/or holes using asphalt or other specialty products to prevent water from entering. If water can't enter, it won't have a chance to freeze, expand and lead to damage.
- Aside from filling holes and cracks, you should also seal hard surfaces to prevent water from getting into them.
- Buy a rubber-edge snow shovel prior to the first snowfall, as metal snow shovels can damage pavement.
Winter Maintenance
After the first snowfall arrives or the first ice accumulation becomes evident, there are several do’s and don’ts to follow. Here’s a look:
- Try to avoid using rock salt (sodium chloride) to deice and instead opt for calcium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate or natural deicers. Conventional rock salt has been linked to the premature corrosion of pavement, so you want to avoid this if possible. The alternatives on this list work in lower temperatures and are less harmful to the pavement, though they may need to be reapplied somewhat regularly to remain effective.
- Whether you shovel or use a snow blower is up to you, as both have pros and cons. However, after the snow is removed from your walkways and driveways, be sure to analyze the pavement to determine if further deicing is necessary.
- Consider heated portable mats to place on walkways or on pavement prior to entryways. Such mats work to keep walkways snow and ice free and are ideal for making high-traffic areas safer.
- If your driveway is steep or you just want to enhance traction in high-traffic outdoor areas this winter, applying sand can do the trick.
Other Tips
- If you opt for the shovel over the snow blower, make sure you’re shoveling with the right posture to avoid injury. To avoid injury to your back, be sure to lift with your legs. Additionally, keep the shovel close to your body as you’re lifting the snow. It may behoove you to switch your grip every so often to work different muscles and fend off fatigue.
- To stay productive while shoveling, you don’t want snow sticking to the blade. Resolve this issue by spraying it with cooking spray prior to shoveling.
- Put an entry mat outside of and inside of your front door. This will help capture any deicer you’ve put down and minimize the amount of snow and moisture that’s tracked into the home.
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