The Effects of Snow and Salt on Your Driveway

Winter brings many challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to maintaining your asphalt driveway. The cold, snow, and the constant application of road salt can cause significant wear and tear on your asphalt surface, leading to cracks, deterioration, and costly repairs if not properly managed. In this blog post, we’ll explore how snow and salt affect your asphalt driveway and what you can do protect your investment.

As snow accumulates on your asphalt driveway, it can trap moisture in the porous surface. Over time, this moisture can seep into small cracks in the asphalt. When the temperature drops and the moisture freezes, it expands, which further widens existing cracks. This process, known as freeze-thaw damage, can weaken the structure of your driveway, making it more susceptible to further deterioration.

If snow is left on your driveway for extended periods, it also adds additional weight, which can stress the surface and cause indentations or depressions. In some cases, this can lead to potholes forming, especially if the snow melts and refreezes repeatedly.

While road salt is a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your driveway safe from ice, it can be very harmful to your asphalt. Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps to melt snow and ice, but over time, it can cause significant damage to your asphalt paving.

Salt is corrosive and can eat away at the top layer of your driveway, leading to surface erosion. This can create small cracks and surface damage that compromise the integrity of your driveway. In addition, as salt reacts with moisture, it can cause the asphalt binder to break down, weakening the structure and leading to premature wear and tear.

One of the best ways to protect your asphalt driveway from the harmful effects of snow and salt is by applying a high-quality sealcoat. Sealcoating creates a protective barrier on the surface of your asphalt, preventing moisture and salt from seeping into the cracks and causing damage. It also helps to reduce the risk of oxidation, which can be caused by UV rays, further enhancing the lifespan of your driveway.

Ideally, you should apply sealcoating every 2-3 years, especially before the winter season, to ensure that your driveway is well-protected from the snow and salt. Regular asphalt maintenance, including crack filling and repairs, can also help prevent moisture infiltration and keep your driveway in top condition.

Here are a few additional tips to help protect your asphalt driveway from the effects of snow and salt during the winter months:

1. Clear snow promptly: Remove snow from your driveway as soon as possible to prevent it from sitting on the surface for too long.
2. Use alternatives to salt: If possible, use alternative deicers, like sand or calcium chloride, which are less harsh on asphalt than traditional rock salt.
3. Avoid excessive salt: If you must use salt, be mindful not to overapply it, as excess salt can speed up the deterioration of your asphalt surface.
4. Inspect your driveway: Check for cracks or damage regularly, especially after the winter season. Early repairs can prevent further issues down the road.
5. Schedule regular maintenance: Routine asphalt repair and sealcoating services are crucial to extending the life of your driveway.

Snow and salt are inevitable during the winter months, but their effects on your asphalt driveway don’t have to be. By understanding the damage they can cause and taking preventive measures like applying sealcoating, addressing cracks, and using salt alternatives, you can protect your investment and ensure your driveway lasts for years to come.

If you’re concerned about your asphalt driveway’s condition or need help with sealcoating or asphalt repairs, contact Baker Asphalt Inc. & Sealcoating today. Our experienced team is here to help keep your driveway in top shape all year long.