Winter in Green Bay can be harsh, and preparing your driveway is essential to avoid costly repairs come spring. Here’s a breakdown of what you must do to keep your asphalt driveway in good shape during the cold months.

How to Prepare Your Driveway for Winter

1. Inspect for Damage:
   • Look for cracks, potholes, or uneven areas that may worsen with freezing temperatures.
   • Small cracks can expand with moisture and ice, so note any vulnerabilities.
2. Repair and Seal Cracks:
   • Fill cracks or small holes with asphalt crack filler to prevent moisture from seeping in and freezing.
   • Consider professional patching for more enormous potholes.
3. Apply a Sealcoat:
   • A fresh sealcoat adds a protective layer to your driveway, making it more snow, ice, and salt resistant.
   • Applying a sealcoat before winter helps extend the life of your asphalt and reduces damage from freezing and thawing.

Should I Pretreat My Driveway Before Snow?

• Pretreatment Benefits:
  • Pretreating your driveway can prevent ice from bonding directly to the asphalt, making shoveling easier and reducing the need for heavy de-icing.
  • Use an environmentally friendly, salt-based pretreatment for best results.
• When to Pretreat:
  • Apply a pretreatment layer before a heavy snowfall or expected ice storm. This helps create a protective barrier that prevents ice buildup.

Should I Seal My Driveway Before Winter?

• Why Seal Before Winter?:
  • Sealing in the fall is ideal as it gives the sealant time to dry and form a barrier that blocks moisture.
  • This barrier helps prevent winter weather from causing cracks and chips, which can expand over time.
• Optimal Timing:
  • Seal your driveway in late fall before temperatures consistently drop below freezing.

How to Pretreat a Driveway Before an Ice Storm

1. Clear the Surface:
   • Remove debris, leaves, and loose gravel to ensure the treatment adheres well.
2. Apply a Salt-Based Pretreatment:
   • Use a salt brine or calcium chloride mixture for effective ice prevention.
   • Apply an even layer with a spreader to cover the driveway fully, focusing on areas with heavy traffic.
3. Avoid Harsh Chemicals:
   • Use de-icing products designed for asphalt to avoid damage to the driveway surface.
   • Avoid rock salt or other products that may degrade asphalt over time.

Final Tips for Winter Driveway Maintenance

• Avoid Metal Shovels: Use plastic shovels or snow blowers to clear your driveway without scraping or damaging the asphalt.
• Limit Heavy Traffic: If possible, avoid parking heavy vehicles on the driveway in winter, as the asphalt becomes more brittle in the cold.

These steps to winterize your driveway will help prevent costly damage and ensure a longer lifespan for your asphalt.