No one enjoys the cold winter weather, and while you can return to the comfort of your cosy home, your imprinted or resin driveway gets no such protection. Ice, snow, heavy rain, and low temperatures are all things that your drive must endure. However, with a little winter driveway care, your home can keep its kerb appeal, and your drive can remain intact, giving you a surface that is safe to use, on foot, or by bike, or by car.
It is a good idea to remove snow and ice as soon as possible so that the freezing and thawing process does not damage the surface. Expansion and contraction are the forces at work here, and they shouldn’t be underestimated. It is also far easier to clear snow and ice straight after it has formed or fallen and before it gets hardened underfoot.
Remember, if you leave snow on the driveway, what melts today can freeze overnight and form black ice, a dangerous hazard for people and vehicles.
You might want to consider relocating or avoiding planting trees and shrubs too close to the resin or imprinted driveway. Doing so will help you avoid hazards such as falling snow and keep falling leaves away. If you have a problem with leaves, a stiff sweeping brush or leaf blower can quickly remove them.
Imprinted Driveway Care
An imprinted driveway is a stunning alternative to traditional concrete, giving the look of much more expensive brick or stone. You can remove debris and dirt with a brush, hose, or jet washer, and you can apply a sealant to prevent staining over the winter months.
However, using a sealant is not something you should not do every year. These can fade the print’s look, and applying different chemical formulations can result in reactions that may damage the concrete. If you are in any doubt, contact your imprinted driveway supplier to ensure you follow the correct imprinted driveway care guidelines.
It is also a good idea to avoid using de-icing chemicals. These can penetrate the surface and cause damage. Products containing ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate can bleach surfaces and eat away at the stamping.
You can remove ice and snow using a plastic shovel, avoiding metal shovels that could cause damage or scratching. If you cannot remove ice or snow, use sand or cat litter to add grip. You can sweep this up when the conditions improve, and no salt-runoff can harm plants, flowers, or grass. Sand is also a good absorber of heat, so ice will melt and break up quicker when the sun comes out.
Resin Driveway Care
A resin-bound driveway is permeable to water, which helps water drain away and prevents flooding and puddling. With less water on the surface, your resin driveway is less likely to have ice form. Anti-slip finishes give better traction, making a resin driveway a good choice for elderly homeowners or anyone who wants to avoid a slip or fall.
For further guidance on imprinted and resin driveway care, please get in touch with our helpful team.