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How To Protect Your Concrete Driveway Through The Freeze-Thaw Season

The end of autumn is the signal for us to start caulking up any drafty spots in our windows and cleaning out our home’s gutters, but what about the concrete driveway? While concrete is among the strongest paving & construction materials globally, it needs a bit of TLC when environmental temperatures drop.

Admittedly, California is hardly the place to imagine snow in, but it does get cold enough for concrete damage. Be smart, be proactive. Take Action Asphalt’s tips on the matter!

Fill Up Any Visually Prominent Cracks

If your concrete surfaces show signs of cracking with cracks 1/4th of an inch wide, it’s best to get on with concrete sealing. Concrete is subject to temperature-induced deformation, so use a flexible crack filler. A polyurethane crack filler visually blends in with the concrete’s grey color and forms a water-tight seal.

If your concrete driveway is extensively damaged, you may need a professional to help fix the damage.

Seal Up your Concrete Surfaces

Concrete spalls due to a lack of surface protectants and freeze-thaw cycles. Just like asphalt needs a seal coat, concrete calls for a resurface. Clean the concrete driveway with a power washer and allow the surface to dry, then apply the resurfacing solution. It will create a protective and seamless layer over your driveway.

Keep The Driveway Clean of Excess Dew & Rain

The cleaner you keep your driveway, the less the edges will develop cracks and spalls. Clean surfaces also ensure your concrete surface treatments will last longer. Concrete is a porous material, meaning it is susceptible to staining and water intrusion. Keeping the surfaces clean and regularly maintained will give you that characteristic grey driveway for all seasons.

Install Appropriate Drainage

French drains are popular in landscaping drainage, but they are not very functional in regions where temperatures drop to freezing. Fortunately, the minimum Roseville goes – oh wait – it can drop to freezing temperatures at 39F! But not for long! Have proper drainage along the sides of your concrete pavement and seal your driveway to avoid any edge seepage.

Use Natural Deicing Agents

For a space as limited as a concrete driveway, you can do your part for the environment by using natural materials to deice your pavement. Indeed, Roseville rarely experiences icy conditions, but in the event they do occur, you can sprinkle used coffee grounds or some chemical-free cat litter over your driveway.

If you’re still not convinced, then maybe we need to hit the right nerve. Christmas is coming, and it would be a sight for sore eyes to have a cracked driveway complementing your spacious residence when the guests turn up!

Action Asphalt Paving & Maintenance is always ready to get into the thick of everything asphalt & concrete because – how else would we be your favorite go-to paving experts in the locality? It’s never too late for a concrete repair & maintenance job in Roseville, so call us up for your paving needs.

You are also most welcome to try out our free estimates on our dedicated services!