If you’ve lived through an Ottawa winter, you know how tough it can be on everything from your car to your driveway. Between the heavy snow, road salt, and constant freeze-thaw cycles, asphalt surfaces take a real beating. With a few simple maintenance steps in the fall, you can protect your driveway and extend its lifespan.
Asphalt Driveways in the Winter
Asphalt is durable, but Ottawa’s climate is particularly tough on it. The freeze-thaw cycle is the main culprit: water seeps into small cracks, freezes, and expands. When this happens repeatedly over the season, minor imperfections can turn into major damage. Salt, snowplows, and heavy snow loads only make the problem worse.
Here’s how to prepare your asphalt driveway in Ottawa for the winter:
Step 1: Seal Cracks Before the Freeze
The first and most important step in preparing your asphalt driveway is sealing any cracks. Even small hairline cracks can let in moisture. By applying a quality crack sealant in the fall, you prevent water from penetrating and causing damage throughout the winter. This fast and effective maintenance step can save you from needing major repairs come spring.
Step 2: Ensure Proper Drainage
Standing water is asphalt’s enemy. Make sure your driveway slopes correctly and that gutters, downspouts, and nearby landscaping direct water away from the surface. If you notice pooling or slow drainage, it’s best to address the issue before the ground freezes. Proper drainage reduces the risk of both cracking and ice formation on your driveway.
Step 3: Schedule Fall Maintenance Now
Fall is the ideal time to repair and protect your asphalt driveway. The temperatures are cool enough for materials to cure properly, but the ground hasn’t yet frozen. By acting now, you’ll not only safeguard your driveway for the winter but also avoid higher spring repair costs when contractors are in peak demand.
The Bottom Line
Preparing your asphalt driveway for Ottawa’s harsh winter doesn’t have to be complicated. By sealing cracks, ensuring proper drainage, and scheduling fall maintenance, you can prevent costly damage and keep your driveway looking great year after year.
