Harsh Canadian winters are rarely kind to your beautiful concrete driveway. Extreme temperature fluctuations lead water to freeze, expand, and contract, causing cracks and potholes. Additionally, the rock salt you use to deice your driveway is highly corrosive and can accelerate the deterioration of your driveway.
Below are some basic care and maintenance recommendations to minimize the impact winter will have on your concrete driveway or sidewalk.
Promptly remove snow and ice
Allowing snow and ice to accumulate increases the probability of moisture penetrating the concrete slab, which has the potential to affect the slab’s lifespan.
Stay away from using de-icing chemicals or rock salt
De-icers are made to melt snow or ice. However, these chemicals can cause your concrete driveways to deteriorate. Vehicles passing over the driveway can also transfer these chemicals onto your garage slab causing deterioration there as well. Instead of rock salt, opt for alternatives like potassium chloride or calcium chloride, both of which are non-acidic and pet/plant safe. Sand is another good alternative to give you more traction on snow and ice.
Brush away and remove any road ice
Road ice and slush may contain de-icing chemicals. These chemicals are generally most prevalent around the road apron and where vehicles typically park.
Ensure a quality concrete sealer has been applied
And ensure it is reapplied in intervals throughout the life of your driveway. This will help to protect and maintain the structural integrity and appearance of the concrete. Your builder may or may not have applied a concrete sealer. When regularly applied to a concrete surface, these protective coatings limit absorption. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying a sealer.
If you are unsure about how best to remove snow and ice from your driveway, consider Bomanite’s driveway heating system designed to melt snow and ice buildup quickly and effectively.
For more information on heated driveway and services, get a free quote here.