We’re in the middle of another rough winter in Buffalo, NY which means we’ve all definitely shoveled, plowed, or snow-blowed our way through our driveway at some point.  Although you might feel like an expert by now when it comes to clearing snow out of the way, we’re here to offer some tips on the do’s and don'ts of proper driveway maintenance during the winter months.

DO: Prep your driveway

Although it’s a little late for this, the snow could all melt again any day now, which would give you the perfect opportunity to make sure that all debris, leaves, branches, and anything else is all cleared from your driveway.

DON’T: Use corrosive materials

While opting for regular rock salt might be a more accessible solution to de-icing your driveway, this is particularly corrosive and harmful to the long-term lifespan of your driveway.  It breaks down the concrete and causes it to deteriorate at a rapid pace. Instead, use anything with potassium or magnesium chloride as the main ingredient, which is more environmentally friendly.

DO: Listen to your driveway

Different types of cracks are bound to arise within your driveway.  Pay attention to these and act accordingly. Hairline cracks will typically form as a concrete driveway ages.  These need to be cleaned and filled with heated sealant that will expand and fill the cracks. A larger and wider web of cracks usually means that the top surface of the driveway is deteriorating.  This needs to be resurfaced properly in order to be fixed. Up here in Western New York, winter months will frequently cause wavy asphalt driveway surfaces. This is caused by frost heaves, moist soil beneath the driveway freezing and expanding, and can actually cause your driveway to shift.

DON’T: Use a metal shovel

Your standard plastic shovel is ideal for dealing with heavy snow.  A metal shovel can cause indents, cracks, and further damage to your concrete driveway.

At B&W Custom Concrete, our concrete contractors are dedicated to providing our customers in the Buffalo area with the highest quality services when it comes to driveways.  We use only the highest quality, maximum standards, 4” concrete, 4000 psi, 10 gauge wire mesh, spray, and cure and seal to protect your investment. Contact us today for a free estimate.