5 Tips to Protect Your Lakeville, MN Driveway While Shoveling

Winter is here, and as all Twin Cities residents know, so are the freezing temperatures, ice, and snow.

And with it comes one of the most dreaded winter chores – shoveling.

No one wants to do it, but we have to. And if you don’t do it soon enough, you get the dreaded tracks on your driveway that might be there until March.

While removing the snow from your driveway allows you to easily go to and from your Lakeville, MN house, and it makes it safe for delivery people and guests to get to your front door, shoveling can be harmful to your driveway.

Now, let’s be clear – we’re not telling you NOT to shovel. Sorry. But we’re going to help you make shoveling safer for your driveway.

#1 Way to Avoid Driveway Damage While Shoveling

Shovel After Every Snowfall

While this is probably not what you want to hear from us in the first tip, we do recommend shoveling or removing the snow from your driveway after every snowfall. We get how it can be tempting to wait and let the snow from a couple of snowfalls accumulate before removing it, especially if it’s just a nuisance snowfall under a couple of inches. But leaving this can result in ice forming. This not only makes it harder for you to remove, but it can harm the driveway as you try to chip away at the snow and ice to get rid of it.

#2 Way to Avoid Driveway Damage While Shoveling

Use a Plastic Shovel

When shoveling, we recommend using a plastic shovel instead of a metal one. Not only is this better for you – as a plastic shovel is typically lighter – it’s better for your driveway. You should try to remove the snow gently and try to keep the shovel about an inch or so away from the driveway surface. If you have ice on the driveway, avoid using the shovel to pierce it and attempt to break it up.

#3 Way to Avoid Driveway Damage While Shoveling

Avoid Using Salt and De-Icers

We’ve all been there. You removed the snow from your driveway and now you have a thin layer of ice coating the driveway, creating a perfect skating rink as you try to get up and down your driveway. Instead of reaching for the salt or de-icer to get rid of the ice, use sand or even kitty litter. This will do less damage to your driveway and will prevent it from deteriorating.

#4 Way to Avoid Driveway Damage While Shoveling

Remove Excess Debris

In between snowfalls, it’s important to remove extra debris from the driveway. If there are leaves, twigs, or even a few branches from recent snowfalls, they should be removed promptly before shoveling. This will not only make shoveling easier for you, but it will also protect your driveway.

#5 Way to Avoid Driveway Damage While Shoveling

Schedule Driveway Services When You See Damage

Winter is hard on your driveway. As you’re shoveling, look for signs of cracks and deterioration. When you notice these, you should plan on scheduling driveway services in the spring or summer. And, if you’re looking for the best driveway company in Lakeville, MN, call us to schedule an appointment!

Repairing and replacing your driveway promptly will help you avoid further damage later.

Let Preferred 1 Concrete Install Your Driveway

When you need a new driveway installed, contact us to schedule a consultation or get an estimate. We deliver high-quality work to our customers throughout Lakeville, MN. In business since 2004, we have the experience, skills, and high-quality materials to get your project done right!

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