Winter is finally here, and we all have started preparing for it. From festivals to holidays to the snow; the wait is almost over.
If you’re a responsible homeowner who takes care of the snow deposits around your house, then this article is for you. In this article, we will discuss the biggest threat to your asphalt driveway and what you can do about it.
You might be using rock salt for your driveway, thinking that it won’t harm it in any way, but the fact is, it does.
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Should You Use Rock Salt on Asphalt Driveways? Is it Harmful?
You may already know that rock salt is nothing but sodium chloride. It is highly corrosive and can damage unsealed asphalt. This is because rock salt accelerates the normal deterioration because of the freeze/thaw cycle in the winter season. This, in turn, shortens the lifespan of the asphalt.
Although a well-maintained asphalt driveway is less prone to salt damages, if you’ve not been able to take proper care of your driveway in the past, then chances are that salt will cause irreparable damages to your driveway. Proper maintenance includes repair of cracks, adding a seal coating, and fixing any water penetrations.
Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust
So now that you know that rock salt is dangerous for your asphalt driveway, don’t you think you should use an alternative? Here are the top alternatives to rock salt.
Ice Melts
You must have started looking for a safe pet ice melter. Most of the ice melt solutions in the market are chemical compounds. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are the main ingredients of most ice melt compounds.
Magnesium chloride snowmelt is effective to -10 degrees but also refreezes quickly. It can cause corrosive damage on asphalt and concrete, as well.
The crux of the matter is that calcium chloride and magnesium chloride ice melt do work in sub-zero temperatures, but there can be consequences for your driveway.
Safe Paw is an ice melt that is 100% safe, easy to use, and affordable. To use it, all you need to do is spread it across your driveway even before the winter season, and it won’t let the snow get deposited there. Unlike calcium and magnesium chloride snowmelt, Safe Paw is safe on your asphalt driveway.
Plastic Shovels
Plastic shovels are one of the oldest yet effective ways of removing snow from the driveways and other areas. However, this requires a lot of manual work and time. Also, if you prefer using shovels, make sure you use a plastic shovel instead of a metal shovel. This is because metal shovels can scrap the driveway surface.
Heating Systems
This is the only method that doesn’t require any kind of manual work. All you need to do is install a heating system beneath your driveway. However, it’s not for everyone as it requires you to install a brand new driveway, and that’s very expensive. So the majority of the people refrain from doing it.
Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.
To Conclude-
Rock salt might be the cheapest solution to get rid of the snow but isn’t a good ice melter for wood decks and even asphalt driveways. Use the other alternatives and keep your driveway safe during the winters.
FAQs
A. Asphalt driveways can suffer damage due to various factors such as weather conditions, improper installation, heavy vehicle use, and the use of certain de-icing agents.
A. For minor damages, you can use a driveway asphalt crack repair product. However, more significant damage may require professional asphalt driveway repair.
A. The cost to repair an asphalt driveway can vary greatly depending on the extent of the damage and the specific repair method used. It’s best to get estimates from several professionals for a more accurate figure.
A. Both asphalt and concrete have their advantages. Asphalt is generally cheaper to install and repair, and it’s more resistant to the effects of freezing and thawing, making it a good choice for colder climates. Concrete, on the other hand, is more durable and can last longer than asphalt with less maintenance, but it can be more susceptible to cracking in freezing temperatures.
A. Yes, asphalt is a good choice for cold climates because it can flex and adapt to freeze-thaw cycles without cracking as easily as some other materials, like concrete. However, it still needs proper maintenance to prevent damage from cold weather conditions.
A. As the temperature drops, asphalt contracts and becomes more rigid, which can make it more susceptible to damage from heavy loads or sharp impacts. If water seeps into small cracks and then freezes, it can expand and cause the asphalt to crack further.
Stay safe on slippery surfaces with a product that’s 100% natural and safe for pets, people, and your property. Use Traction Magic on sidewalks, steps, or as instant traction for your car.
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.
