Frank Coward's Blog: Driveway Repairs – Post Winter Tips from MD Paving

Driveway Repairs – With Spring in sight, the melting snow can, unfortunately, reveal damage to your driveway. Deciding on whether to repair or replace your driveway can be perplexing, but most repairs should be left to the professionals! That’s where MD Paving can help.

Understanding what the driveway damage is!

Understanding driveway repairs and the cause of winter damage can prevent it happening in the future. The damage usually occurs due to the plummeting drop in temperatures, the cycle of freeze and thaw and the use of chemical melting agents, such as sodium chloride. This is extremely damaging to both concrete and asphalt and can also weaken the joints in your block paving. Rock salt can also seep into cracks, corroding and weakening steel rods used to reinforce the area. Freezing water will also cause damage as ice expands and increases existing cracks, causing the surface to break away. Snow/metal shovels can also cause significant damage by dislodging already loose asphalt and stone, creating craters which are hard to fix. Where possible, try to use plastic shovels for clearing snow.

2. Know your driveways lifespan

An asphalt driveway can have a lifespan of approximately 20 years, with concrete versions lasting easily 25 years, but will need to be maintained to achieve this. If your driveway is heavily damaged and coming to the end of its useful life, you may want to consider a new hardtop. Driveway repairs may only be a short-term solution. A high-quality sealer should be applied every 3 years to protect the surface from the adverse weather, including UV rays.

3. Know when to call in the professionals

If the damage is too severe, then it may be time to give MD Paving a cal l. It may be that you require a new driveway – but this can be discussed on inspection from one of our team. All our work comes with a warranty, with references available and a free no-obligation quote will be submitted.

4. Remember to keep your driveway in a good condition

When it does snow, try and move it as soon as possible. Once it becomes compacted and forced into cracks, problems start to occur. If you need to gain traction, try to use sand instead. Once the snow has melted, we will be happy to advise you what sealers to use to keep your new driveway in tip-top condition. Just remember that a proper maintenance routine is required, no matter which driveway you choose. This will prevent expensive repair and help your driveway to last for many years to come.