Get your driveway ready for snow and ice this year!

If you live in Maryland, Pennsylvania, or Delaware, and you are reading this post, you most likely have a driveway. Winter is coming, and although this area doesn’t get too much snow every year, the chance of snow can vary year to year. Ice can form on driveways regardless of snowfall. Here’s how to winterize your driveway so it’s free from the risk of slips and falls.

Removing Debris

The first step is to remove any remaining debris from your driveway. Take care of leaf removal and clear off any sticks or anything else that shouldn’t be on the driveway.

Maintaining Your Driveway

Next, take care of any driveway maintenance tasks you can do before winter. Clean the driveway every few years,remove stains, andfill any cracks. It’s also beneficial toseal the driveway every few years, regardless of whether it’s made of concrete, asphalt, or stone.

Getting the Right Ice Melt

Now it’s time to prepare for ice and snow in the forecast. Select the best ice melt for your driveway. Calcium chloride does well with concrete driveways, and magnesium chloride works well with asphalt driveways. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is yet another option.

Adding Traction

You can also reduce slipperiness on your walkways and driveway with products that add traction. Common products to use include non-clumping kitty litter, sand, wood ash, and coffee grounds. These materials are generally safe for the environment, and wood ash is especially healthy for the soil.

Using the Best Snow Removal Tools

Any prepared homeowner in the Mid-Atlantic area will also likely have a snow shovel or snow blower ready for action. If you don’t, now is a great time to research your options and invest in the best one. It’s best to use a non-abrasive snow shovel, which can scratch your driveway’s surface. Plastic and rubber-tipped snow shovels are generally good choices.

Watching the Weather Forecast

All you have to do now is watch the weather forecast and temperature, and be ready to sprinkle your ice melt according to the directions. Your driveway will be fully winterized!

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you with asphalt, concrete, and hardscaping projects.

We refuse to sell hot air to our customers, and that’s why we have been around for over four decades. We listen, inform, educate then decide what is best for our customers project and budget. If any problems arise during construction we keep our customers updated and respond to make the imperfect perfect.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post How to Winterize Your Driveway appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.

What’s the right way to de-ice a driveway? Let’s discuss it right here.

It can be challenging tode-ice a driveway and sidewalk safely and accessible when winter is in full swing. Anti-icers and de-icers are valuable against slippery surfaces, but using these tools effectively requires some knowledge. This article explores the concept of de-icing a driveway to reduce potential damage to the surrounding environment.

What are De-Icers?

De-icers are items you should apply after the ice has developed. They work by lowering the freezing point of water, forming a brine solution that breaks the bond between the surface beneath and the ice. Although this makes ice removal easier, it might not remove the need for some manual clearing. You can de-ice your driveway with the following agents:

• Calcium chloride produces heat as it dissolves, actively melting ice
• Calcium magnesium acetate is an eco-friendly option made from acetic acid and limestone, less harmful to concrete and plants
• Magnesium chloride is similar to calcium chloride but with better surface adhesion
• Even though potassium chloride is less toxic than some alternatives, it might not perform well in excess cold temperatures
• Sodium chloride, known as rock salt, is the most affordable choice, but potentially damaging to concrete and plants with overutilization

Application Tips for De-Icing

Adequate de-icer application helps optimize their effectiveness while reducing possible harm to surfaces and the environment. Here are some tips for homeowners to know how to de-ice adriveway properly:

• Prioritize Timing. Apply de-icers as soon as snow begins to accumulate or ice begins to form. This prevents the buildup of thick, hard-to-eliminate ice layers.
• Less is More. Use de-icers sparingly. A thin, even layer is usually sufficient to start the melting process because overusing them can result in unnecessary environmental impact and surface damage.
• Target High-Traffic Areas. Prioritize treating steps, walkways, and other high-traffic areas. This targeted approach is more successful and minimizes overall product use.
• Monitor and Reapply. Most de-icing products start working within 15 to 30 minutes. However, you should do a light reapplication if you don’t notice an effect after this time.
• Post-Treatment Care. After the ice melts, it’s essential to eliminate the resulting slush and any excess product to prevent refreezing.
• Minimize Concrete Damage. To reduce possible concrete damage, rinse surfaces thoroughly after winter to eliminate salt residue. We recommend de-icing sparingly on new concrete (less than a year old).

Determining the Right De-Icing Product

Choosing a suitable de-icer depends on multiple factors, including surface type, local climate, and environmental concerns. Here is a guide on choosing the best one:

• Calcium chloride or magnesium chloride is the most effective in icy areas below O Fahrenheit.
• Use any de-icing products cautiously onconcrete less than one year old. CMA or sand for traction are safer choices. Avoid corrosive chloride-based products on metal surfaces such as fire escapes.
• You may lightly use traditional salt-based products in areas with minimal environmental concerns. Or opt for CMA or other eco-friendly alternatives near sensitive vegetation or waterways.
• Although rock salt is the cheapest option, its capacity for damage might outweigh the cost savings. Calcium magnesium acetate offers better environmental protection and won’t damage surfaces.

Learning how to de-ice a driveway correctly requires a balanced approach. By understanding the different types of de-icers, you can maintain the safety of others.

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you with asphalt, concrete, and hardscaping projects.

We refuse to sell hot air to our customers and that’s why we have been around for over 4 decades. We listen, inform, educate then decide what is best for our customers project and budget. If any problems arise during construction we keep our customers updated and respond to make the imperfect perfect.

Our area numbers are:

West Chester: 610.563.9456

Oxford: 610.932.3566

Delaware: 302.757.4100

Check back here for weekly updates on current projects, important paving facts and info, and smart ideas for homeowners interested in concrete, asphalt, or hardscaping work.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

The post How to De-Ice a Driveway appeared first on Tristate Paving Company.