Winter Maintenance for Tarmac Driveways

Keeping Your Driveway Safe and Pristine

Tarmac stands out as one of the most winter-friendly choices for driveways – but it does require maintenance to perform throughout the colder months. Whether you have just had a tarmac driveway installed or it’s something you are considering in the near future, winter maintenance is something that you should familiarise yourself with now. After all, it won’t be long before the weather truly takes a turn and summer is a distant memory! Here are our top tips for winter care for tarmac driveways.

Why Tarmac is Winter-Friendly

Tarmac surfacing has several key qualities that make it a top choice for winter:

• Smooth Surface: Tarmac driveways have a smooth surface that doesn’t provide much traction for snow and ice to grip onto. This makes it easier to clear snow and reduces the risk of icy patches forming. Whether you have a tarmac drive at home or your business premises, this is great for safety.
• Durability: Tarmac is highly resilient and can withstand the freeze-thaw cycles that are common in winter. It’s less prone to cracking and potholes than other materials too, so you can be sure it will stand up to all that the colder weather has to throw at it.
• Dark Colour: This is something that not many people consider, but the dark colour of tarmac helps it to absorb and retain heat. This can help to melt snow and ice faster when the sun makes an appearance.

Maintaining Your Driveway

Now, let’s delve into essential tips for maintaining your tarmac driveway during the winter:

Snow Removal

Clearing snow promptly is crucial to keep your tarmac driveway safe. Use a snow shovel or a snow blower to remove the snow. Be gentle while shovelling to avoid damaging the surface and be sure to avoid metal shovels that can scrape and damage the tarmac.

De-Icing

Apply a suitable de-icer to prevent ice formation. Avoid using rock salt, as it can damage tarmac. Instead, choose calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, which are less harmful to the material. Don’t worry, we’ll tell you which products are suitable!

Regular Cleaning

It’s a good idea to maintain the cleanliness of your driveway by clearing away any debris, salt, or chemicals used for de-icing. These can stain and erode the tarmac surface if left in place, so clean them up after you have used them.

We’re Here to Help

If you are ever unsure about how to look after your driveway during the winter or think that there might be something wrong, we’re here to help. We can identify and address any issues before they become major problems, and our team of professionals can provide guidance, maintenance, and repairs to ensure your driveway remains in optimal condition year-round.

Get in Touch

By following these winter maintenance tips, you can enjoy a safe and attractive tarmac driveway throughout the winter months. Remember, a well-maintained driveway not only adds to your property’s curb appeal but also ensures safety for you and your visitors. Want to find out more? Get in touch today!