Winters are dreadful for many reasons, specifically when it comes to keeping your driveways safe and reliable. Although concrete driveways are highly durable and capable of withstanding snow, rain, and years of traffic, they are still prone to damage in winter. 

Winterizing your driveways and sideways is as crucial as choosing the best concrete contractors in Melbourne, so if you want to be prepared before your surroundings turn white, here is the perfect guide. 

Clean & sweep the driveway

A lot of damage happens during the winter season. That is why you must winterize your concrete driveways to increase their durability. The first step in winterizing your driveway is the cleaning and sweeping. 

During fall or winter, your driveway often gets covered by fallen leaves, branches, and debris. It makes it difficult for anyone to check for damages. Also, they often get stuck in the cracks, making things more difficult. That is why cleaning these items is necessary to keep your driveway and sideways safe and dependable. 

For cleaning and sweeping, use a leaf blower or pressure water. Do thoroughly, try to remove stains with a chemical stain remover, but be very careful. Once you are done cleaning and sweeping the driveways, you will be ready for the next step of identifying the damages. 

Inspect for damages

After thoroughly cleaning and sweeping, the damages will be more visible. The inspection of these damages will be a lot easier, and it is something you need to start right after the cleaning. 

During the inspection, if you find any cracks, then you need to attend to them immediately. If the melting snow or rain enters these cracks, it will soon freeze and then expand and cause the concrete to shift. It is a dangerous situation you would want to ignore at all possible levels.  

For minor holes and cracks, you can repair them on your own using a concrete repair product. Once you are done repairing, your driveway will be much more prepared for the harsh winters. 

Check the drainage

To avoid the accumulation of melting snow, you need to check the drainage system of your driveway. It has to work well to avoid causing any damage to the driveway.

You need to pay attention to it immediately because once the rain and snow start, it will cause a lot of damage to your concrete driveway. The best way to avoid this is by installing trench drainage. 

You can apply a sealant to seal your driveway, making it stain-proof and protecting it from any damage during winter due to the faulty drainage system. But, use the sealant very carefully, and if you are not experienced, then hiring a professional would be a better choice. 

Stock up on the right equipment 

When extreme weather arrives, you must prepare for every possible outcome. Keep all the equipment in check and ensure they are in good condition. It would be a small investment but can be a huge help in times of need.

A heavy-duty snow shovel is a must-have. Go for a plastic one instead of a metal one, as the metal one can leave a mark on your driveway. The plastic one will be much easier to use and will be gentler as well. But it should be sturdy enough to remove ice, which is hard to remove.

Call up a professional 

You can not manage everything on your own. Some areas will need more expertise than others. If, at any point, you start thinking professionals should handle this, then do not hesitate to call. Contacting professional concrete contractors in Melbourne is the right step. 

Conclusion 

Winterizing your driveway is very important and should have your utmost attention. It is essential to improve the dependability and durability of your concrete driveway in winter, and we hope we have helped in every way possible.