How to Prepare a Driveway Before Winter: A Guide by West Key Builders
Winter in London, Ontario brings freezing temperatures, snow, and ice—all of which can take a toll on your concrete surfaces. Knowing how to prepare a driveway before winter is essential for avoiding costly damage and keeping your property safe. At West Key Builders, we believe proactive maintenance is key to extending the life of your driveway and protecting your investment.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to winter driveway preparation done right.
1. Inspect and Repair Existing Damage
The first step in learning how to prepare a driveway before winter is a thorough inspection.
Look for Cracks and Potholes
Even the smallest crack can worsen during winter when water seeps in and freezes. Expansion caused by ice can lead to larger cracks or even breakage.Patch It Up
Use high-quality crack filler or patching compound to seal imperfections. This protects the surface and makes snow removal smoother.Seal the Surface
Applying a protective sealant adds a layer that resists water penetration, road salt, and freeze-thaw stress. A sealed driveway is far less likely to deteriorate during the cold season.
If your driveway needs more serious repair, check out our professional concrete driveway services in London, Ontario.
2. Ensure Proper Drainage
Water is a driveway’s worst enemy in the winter. Here’s how to manage it:
Check Driveway Slope
Your driveway should naturally direct water away from the surface. If water is pooling, it’s time to consider grading or a drainage upgrade.Clear Gutters and Downspouts
Leaves and debris can block drainage systems, causing overflow that settles on your driveway and freezes overnight. Clean everything thoroughly before the first freeze.Inspect Catch Basins and Edges
Our catch basin concrete repair services ensure water flows off your property as it should.
3. How to Prepare a Driveway Before Winter for Snow and Ice Management
Knowing how to prepare a driveway before winter also means planning for efficient snow and ice removal.
Get the Right Tools
Stock up on a sturdy shovel, snow blower, and ice melt or sand before the snow hits.Choose Safe De-Icers
Some products, like rock salt, can damage concrete. Consider using safer options like calcium magnesium acetate or beet brine that are less corrosive and more eco-friendly.Mark the Driveway Edges
Install reflective markers along the sides of your driveway to prevent damage during snow removal.
4. Maintain the Surrounding Landscape
Winter weather doesn’t just affect the concrete—it also impacts what’s around it.
Trim Overhanging Branches
Snow and ice buildup on limbs can cause them to break and fall, damaging your driveway or blocking it.Clear the Edges
Make sure shrubs, mulch, or snow piles aren’t obstructing drainage flow or spilling back onto the concrete.
The West Key Builders Advantage: Proactive, Professional Driveway Care
Knowing how to prepare a driveway before winter is one thing—getting it done right is another. That’s where West Key Builders comes in.
Our experts will inspect your driveway, repair any damage, and apply protective treatments that stand up to even the harshest Ontario winters. We use only the best materials and trusted methods to keep your surfaces in peak condition.
You can also combine this service with sidewalk, patio, or concrete slab maintenance for complete exterior protection.
Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with West Key Builders
By following these steps on how to prepare a driveway before winter, you’ll not only protect your concrete from cracks and damage but also ensure safer, more accessible surfaces throughout the season.
Don’t wait until the first snowfall. Contact West Key Builders today to schedule your winter readiness check. We’ll help you get your driveway—and your entire property—ready for whatever the season brings.
