When it comes to cold, harsh temperatures and climates in the winter, it is important to look after your outdoor surfaces, especially your driveway. We at iDream Solutions, know that when you’ve spent time and money laying a brand new tarmac driveway or resin driveway, you want it to look brand new for as long as possible. As with any outdoor feature, your driveway is at the mercy of the changing temperatures and the elements, 24/7. However, there are steps you can take to help keep your driveway looking new, and prevent damage from occurring during the colder, winter months.

Below we explain a few tips to help keep your driveway looking spick and span this winter, as well as how to protect it against the cold temperatures and harsh elements.

No matter the time of year, to keep your driveway looking brand new, it is important to give your entranceway a general clear-up, removing any branches, twigs, or debris from the surface. Not only is this good for the appearance of your driveway, but a clear debris-free driveway will help prevent any accidents from happening when driving, cycling, or walking in and out of your property. This is especially important in the winter months when rain, ice, and snow can settle, creating slippery surfaces.

Cleaning and sweeping your driveway will ensure that your driveway is ready to survive the harsh temperatures, without suffering further damage. You can clear your driveway of debris using a stiff-bristled outdoor brush, and then with a power washer, and scrubbing brush you can clean any remaining dirt. Learn how to ensure your driveway stays looking pristine for many years to come in our article ‘Driveway Maintenance FAQs – Find your Answer!’

While it is deemed a miracle if it snows in the UK and we are not often blessed with heavy snowfall when it does snow it is important to know how to quickly and efficiently protect your outside spaces. Whilst you snuggle up inside with the heating on, watching Christmas films, enjoying time with family and friends and wait out the freezing temperatures, your driveway is subject to them.

As for this, you may be tempted to apply a generous layer of salt or de-icer on your driveway, it is best to avoid this as salt and other de-icer chemicals can cause long-lasting damage. The salt and chemicals can mix with the melting snow and ice, creating a salty, slushy solution that can seep into any small cracks or crevices and could cause large cracks and holes within the surface of your driveway.

We recommend, instead of applying de-icer and salt, clearing any ice and snow from your driveway as soon as possible, to help reduce the risk of snow and ice build-up.

If you have any broken or cracked areas of your surface, these will be prone to water damage from melting snow, ice or rain. As the water freezes within these cracks, it expands, causing the surface material to shift. If weight, from a car, or walking is put onto these expanded areas, the surface will start to crack, shift and crumble, causing you to end up with even more cracks as winter progresses.

Before the temperatures drop too much, preferably on a dry day, spend some time repairing any cracks and holes within your driveway. Or contact our team for a resurfacing quote and we will be happy to come and have a look.

Having a sealed driveway is a great way to ensure the longevity of your driveway, by adding a protective sealant coating, the material is protected from general wear and tear, and the elements. A sealed driveway requires less maintenance in the future. We here at iDream have years of experience and can provide you with a high-quality tarmac driveway in Devon.

When snow or ice forms or settles on your tarmac, the materials can expand/contract due to the temperature changes. The ice and snow can then melt into any new cracks or holes, if they were then to refreeze, the cracks could grow considerably, causing expensive and time-consuming repairs.

Applying sealant is a crucial aspect of your driveway maintenance, especially in the winter. The sealant will be able to fill in all the small cracks while creating a protective layer on the surface of your driveway.

Please note, sealant can only be applied after any cracks, holes, or other damages have been repaired.

If you don’t think your driveway will survive another winter, or you want to transform the appearance of the entrance to your property. Here at iDreams, we provide a wide range of driveway solutions for you. Including tarmac, resin, and block paving Devon driveways. See our gallery for further inspiration, and see how a new driveway can transform the external appearance of your home. Our expert fitters fit all our products to a high standard with a five-year guarantee. Find out more about our wide product range via our website, or by calling today on 01626 142187