Does Ice Hurt Driveways?
Ice can cause damage to driveways. Along with creating dangerous surface conditions that make walking or driving hazardous, the ice can penetrate and damage the driveway surface. Limiting the moisture on the surface of the driveway during cold weather helps alleviate these issues. Does this Spark an idea?
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Ice Expands
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Water can enter the small cracks or voids in a driveway. When the water freezes, it expands by 9 percent, exerting pressure on the driveway material. This increases the size of the crack or void, allowing more moisture to enter during the next thawing cycle. The following freezing cycle increases the damage to the driveway.
Driveway Surfaces
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Concrete or asphalt driveways often have cracks or voids, some of which can be microscopic. Apply sealers to concrete or asphalt surfaces to seal any cracks. Pavers or brick driveways may have cracks between the pavers. If moisture gets under the paver, the expansion during the freeze can lift the paver, creating an uneven surface. Use a rubber mallet to reseat the paver in the spring.
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Gravel or Stone Driveways
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The loose surface of a gravel or crushed-stone driveway poses less of a problem when it comes to ice. However, much of the gravel surface can be lost during snow and ice removal. Pile snow and ice in specific areas through the winter, and recover the gravel or stones in the spring by raking the area. Replace the gravel or stones back on the driveway.
Deicers and Salt
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Using deicers or salt compounds the damage to a driveway. The corrosive activity of salt can enter a concrete slab through cracks and damage the metal reinforcing rods within the driveway. The salt can also enter the cracks and crevices of a driveway and expand, much like water, doing the same type of damage. Salt and deicers can also damage vegetation along and around the driveway, and damage home floor covering if tracked into the house on shoes or boots.
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