Paving your driveway can significantly increase your property value. It is an investment that needs care and maintenance to make it last as long as possible. In a climate with four distinct seasons, your driveway bears the brunt of cold, harsh winters. Repairing winter driveway damage when spring rolls around is a priority.

Under a layer of snow and ice, the damage happening to your driveway may not be noticeable. In fact, spring is the best season to take stock of how it fared over the winter. You may notice differences in your asphalt; conditions that were not there before the first snowfall.

The following conditions indicate severe wear and tear on your driveway:

• Cracking. This happens when water sits above or under the driveway surface. As snow or ice melts, it seeps into tiny, hairline cracks. The freeze/thaw cycle widens the cracks, permitting even more water damage. These cracks can be repaired easily, provided you take care of the problem in a timely manner.
• Warping, Buckling and Unevenness. If you notice any of this going on with your driveway, it is an indication that the earthen base "heaved" during the freeze/thaw cycle. This can be common with driveways where the subbase was poorly laid. This too can be repaired. Delaying the repairs can lead to potholes and serious surface erosion.
• Sunken Spots. This is a clear sign of underlying erosion. The runoff from spring and unusual mid-winter thaws wears away the crushed stone or compacted base beneath the surface. This could require tearing up a section to repair the base and installing proper drainage. Ignoring it could lead to large areas of your driveway collapsing.

It would be great if we could have our driveways installed and then forget about them! Unfortunately, we are in a constant struggle with nature attempting to reclaim its space. Every season brings about perilous conditions for our driveways, but winter is especially cruel.

At Maintain It All, we have seen the worst that winter can do to asphalt. We have the expertise to fortify your driveway, restoring its original strength and aesthetic appeal. Whether you need crack repair, patching, seal coating or resurfacing, we are prepared. Ask us about repairing winter driveway damage now!