Driveways get a lot of extra stress during storm season, and even the best-built ones can get potholes if they aren’t protected. Heavy rain, quick changes in temperature, and constant water movement all cause the surface to break down. The good news is that you can greatly lower the risk of potholes forming by taking care of and maintaining your car properly.
Below are the key steps every homeowner should follow to keep their driveway strong, durable and storm-ready.
-
Improve Driveway Drainage
One of the main reasons for potholes is bad drainage. Water stays in small dips on the surface when it can’t move away, which slowly weakens the material. That water that gets stuck in there eventually makes cracks that grow into potholes.
Putting in the right drainage channels or making sure the driveway has a good slope helps water flow away quickly, which lowers the risk of damage to the structure.
-
Seal Cracks Before Storms Arrive
Even the tiniest crack lets water get to the lower layers of your driveway. This water comes in during storms, freezes, expands, and breaks the surface apart over and over again.
One of the best ways to keep potholes from forming is to fill in hairline cracks and reseal old driveways before the storm season.
-
Keep Gutters and Surrounding Areas Clear
Blocked gutters or water that spills over can send a lot of rain down on your driveway. This constant flow washes away material on the surface, especially at the edges, which makes potholes form early.
To keep the surface clean and dry, you should clean the gutters, move the downpipes, and trim plants that collect debris.
-
Strengthen Weak Spots Early
You should fix any dips, loose stones, worn edges, or areas that aren’t compacted well right away. Stormy weather makes any weak spots worse, turning small flaws into big potholes.
A quick professional patch job done early in the season is much less expensive than a full resurfacing later on.
-
Apply a Quality Sealant
Sealants protect the driveway from water and keep rain from getting into the structure of the driveway. This is very helpful for surfaces made of tarmac and concrete.
A good sealant protects your driveway from storms and makes it last longer.
-
Consider Upgrading to More Durable Materials
If your driveway is old or has been damaged by the weather for a long time, it might be worth it to upgrade to a stronger material. When installed correctly, resin-bound and block paving driveways are less likely to develop potholes and are very resistant to heavy rain.
Professional Help Makes a Difference
When it comes to protecting against storms, it’s always best to hire professionals who know what they’re doing. Many homeowners depend on reliable local teams for long-lasting repairs and preventative maintenance. These teams include a Driveways Company in Finchley, a Driveways Company in Putney, a Driveways Company in Lambeth, a Driveways Company in Hounslow, a Driveways Company in Twickenham, and a Driveways Company in Richmond.
A well-kept driveway not only keeps your home safe, but it also increases its value and safety over time.
The post How to Stop Potholes Forming in Your Driveway During Storm Season appeared first on Safeway Driveways.