Why Do Driveways Crack in the Winter?

There's something truly satisfying when you shovel that final patch of snow off your driveway after a blustery winter storm. However, when the snow you remove was covering a cracked driveway surface, it's definitely an unwelcome surprise.

This May Also Interest You: How to Seal a Driveway

If you have a concrete or asphalt driveway, natural freezing and thawing cycles can cause cracking during the winter months. While you can't stop Mother Nature, taking some preventive measures and repairing cracks as soon as they pop up can help prepare your driveway for the chilly seasons.

Why Does My Driveway Crack in the Winter?

Concrete driveways with small cracks and porous areas tend to be more prone to absorbing moisture from snow and sleet. When the temperatures dip below freezing, this moisture freezes, and the concrete expands. When the temps warm up and the moisture starts to thaw out, this causes the concrete to contract. Over time, the fluctuating temperatures, paired with the pressure of expanding and contracting concrete, can lead to a cracked driveway.

If you're dealing with a cracked asphalt driveway, frost heave may be to blame. When moisture in the underlying soil freezes during the winter months, the ice can cause significant soil expansion or "swelling." If the swollen ground soil pushes upward, it may result in cracked asphalt.

Repairing Driveway Cracks

If the cracks in your asphalt or concrete driveway are minor or only on the surface, you may be able to temporarily remedy the situation by applying sealant or filling material. Experts recommend using water-based acrylic filler for asphalt driveways and concrete bonding with patching compound for concrete driveways.

If you plan to repair the cracks in a DIY fashion, be sure to thoroughly clean the driveway surface and remove any weeds or other debris coming up through the cracks. It's also important to follow the sealant or filling material package instructions to ensure proper application.

If your driveway has multiple cracks or serious damage, it's important to consult with a driveway repair specialist before moving forward with any DIY work. Long, deep cracks can sometimes indicate an underlying issue with your home's foundation, and they can reduce your driveway's load-bearing capacity. Multiple cracks caused by frost heave or freeze-thaw cycles can affect the structural integrity of your driveway, and this may lead to additional cracks and damage if not addressed as soon as possible.

More Related Articles:

• How to Resurface Your Asphalt or Blacktop Driveway

• How Much Does a Heated Driveway Cost?

• Kick Asphalt Costs to the Curb: A Gravel Driveway Is Cheaper

• How Much Does Driveway Sealing Cost?

• Splash Course: How to Use a Power Washer

What Are Some Ways to Prevent Winter Driveway Cracks?

Applying a sealing solution to your driveway surface is one of the easiest ways to prevent cracks from developing when the weather turns cold. For best practices, concrete driveways should be treated on an annual basis, while asphalt driveway sealant lasts around 24 months between treatments. For both concrete and asphalt driveways, sealcoat creates a barrier that offers protection from external elements and halts moisture from penetrating the surface.

Some additional helpful tips to prevent winter cracking include:

• Be careful when shoveling and plowing.

  When shoveling the driveway, work slowly and remove only a few inches of snow at a time. If possible, use a plastic shovel to reduce scraping. If you're using a plow, make sure the blade is elevated enough to effectively lift the snow without scraping the asphalt or concrete.

• Clean up motor oil spills right away.

  If you have motor oil spots on your driveway, make sure to clean these up as quickly as possible. In addition to staining, the oil may penetrate concrete and damage asphalt, increasing the risk of cracks.

• Avoid salt and chemical deicer.

  While it's common practice to sprinkle salt and chemical deicers on frozen driveways, both of these substances can actually penetrate driveway surfaces. If your driveway tends to get slippery during the winter, consider some alternative options, such as natural sand or kitty litter, or sprinkle your leftover coffee grounds on the icy spots.