The weather outside is frightful, but unfortunately, snow doesn’t usually mean we have no place to go. Whether we have to get to work, pick up our kids from school, or grab the essentials from the grocery store, snow isn’t going to keep us from leaving the house until it gets terrible. However, getting in and out of a snow-caked driveway can be problematic. Fortunately, there are a variety of techniques you can use for driveway snow removal that won’t damage your asphalt.
Driveway Snow Removal Techniques
Repair Cracks & Holes
Prior to the arrival of atrocious weather, we highly recommend repairing your driveway of any existing damage. Remember, water and ice will compound any cracks, dents, or holes in your driveway, leaving you with a huge mess come springtime. You can save money and hassle down the road by taking preventive action now.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check and clean your drainage system as well. Any standing water will freeze once the temperature drops, leaving you with a slick, dangerous driveway. Having a well-functioning drain system will help to reduce ice.
Shoveling the Driveway
While shoveling the driveway isn’t anyone’s favorite pastime, it is a tried-and-true snow removal method. When you shovel, make sure to use a large plastic shovel, as metal ones will damage your asphalt. Also, remember to scrap carefully to avoid denting the driveway underneath the snow.
Use a Snow Blower
Using a snow blower is a faster, easier way to clear a driveway of snow quickly. While the equipment may be a bit expensive, it is worth it if your property regularly receives a lot of snow in the winter, especially if you have a long driveway! Just make sure to clean and perform maintenance on the snow blower before using it.
Chemicals & Salts
While chemicals and salts can be used as deicers, we recommend being careful with your choices. Such products are often extremely harmful to the environment, including wildlife, the water table, and YOUR pets. Before laying out a bunch of chemicals that will eventually get washed down the drain, we advise researching environmentally-friendly products.
Surface Mats
Surface mats are an excellent option for people who work from home, as they often have ample warning on when the snow will arrive so they can put out the mat and turn it on. Unfortunately, surface mats are often an unproductive investment for those who work outside the home because the homeowner is often unable to know when to lay down the mat and turn it on. While you could certainly lay it out in advance, it will be an expensive waste of electricity if you do not have automatic snow sensors.
Heated Driveways
Investing in a heated driveway may be worthwhile if your home experiences copious amounts of snow throughout the winter. While expensive, these driveways can be immensely helpful when facing consistent frigid weather.
Need repairs, installations, or driveway maintenance? Signature Paving is here to help you get your driveway in tip-top shape before the snowy season. Give us a call today for a quote.
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