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How To Increase Traction On An Asphalt Driveway During Winter?

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traction on asphalt driveway

Winter has arrived, bringing harsh weather patterns detrimental to concrete and asphalt. Nevertheless, asphalt is a famous road and driveway paving material because of its simplicity of installation and extended lifespan. Bitumen, typically created during the oil refining process, holds aggregates together. 

Asphalt is a rigid, water-resistant material that absorbs heat and light. Moisture, freezing temperatures, and oil or gasoline spills can influence traction on asphalt surfaces. But hazardous conditions and toxic chemicals can ruin your asphalt driveway. So, we need to keep our asphalt driveway secure while making it safe to walk on ice without slipping.

Driving on Black Ice

Driving on black ice is one of the trickiest winter challenges. This thin coating of glazed ice on the roadway is nearly transparent, causing the road’s surface to appear black and leading to unexpected slippery conditions. When driving on black ice, it’s vital to keep your speed low and avoid sudden braking or steering, as this could cause your vehicle to skid.

Tire Traction on Ice Driveway

Improving tire traction on ice driveway is crucial for safe winter driving. Winter tires can help as they are designed to provide better traction in snowy and icy conditions. However, even with winter tires, gaining traction on ice driveway can be challenging. So, how to get traction on tires?

Here Are Some Pointers For Increasing Traction On The Asphalt Driveway

  • Traction Is Crucial 

As per the weather prediction, you can use various products to offer traction before snow and ice develop. For example, to help you acquire more excellent footing, throw kitty litter, birdseed, or sawdust on top of the ice. Sand can also improve ice traction. But it must be cleaned up after usage to avoid clogging drains and run-off into plants and gardens. Same way, kitty litter can turn out to be a messy product.

The best way to get traction on any surface, including asphalt, without harming is an effective mineral-based traction agent. It’s disposable can is easy to carry and use. The natural ingredients absorb water and provide you grip for safe walking and driving. It works better than the walk-on ice grips for shoes as you don’t need to worry about size and fit.

Get ready for winter with Walk On Ice instant traction on snow and ice

    
  • Get The Shovel Out 

Shoveling is perhaps the most effective way to keep your driveway safe during icy weather. With this method, you won’t have to worry about damaging your pets, plants, rivers, or driveway. But it is a tiring and time-consuming task and should be avoided by the elderly and people with health issues.

  • Sidewalks And Driveways That Are Heated 

Electric heating coils under the asphalt in heated driveways and pathways or hydronic tubes are installed after pouring the concrete surface. These heating elements let you adjust the temperature to keep the walkway or driveway warm enough to prevent ice and snow from forming. However, an amenity like this necessitates a significant initial investment, including increased energy bills.

  • Traction Strips and Alternatives to Melt Ice on Concrete

Driveway traction strips can also be a good option, providing an anti-skid surface that can help both pedestrians and vehicles maintain traction. When it comes to melting ice, chemical-based ice melts are often used, but they can be harmful to concrete and harmful if ingested by pets or children. A safer alternative to melt ice would be to use a product that is safe for the environment, pets, and children, like Safe Thaw, which is toxin-free and safe for concrete.

5 Tips For Keeping Your Asphalt Driveway In Good Shape 

• Stay away from chemical deicing agents and rock salt-based products. Although they can swiftly melt ice, their corrosive properties can damage asphalt. 

• Instead of using a metal snow shovel, use rubber blades. Metal shovels with a pointed tip should be avoided at all costs since they can damage your pavement. 

• Be sure the blade of your shovel is set to the proper height. It can scrape the asphalt if it is too low. 

• Make sure your driveway is adequately drained. To help with runoff, a two-inch strip of grass along the driveway’s border is typically helpful. 

Get ready for winter with Walk On Ice instant traction on snow and ice

Conclusion

Always exercise caution when walking on slippery icy surfaces, regardless of the method used to remove the ice. Slow down and don’t rush. Be extremely cautious when turning or getting in and out of an automobile. Don’t carry too many things at once, and if railings are available, use them. 
People use walk-on ice grips for shoes, but they need to be taken off while entering the building to avoid slips and falls. At the same time, natural traction agents can be used on any surface and at any time without any worries.

FAQs

The choice between asphalt and concrete driveways depends on several factors including climate, maintenance, cost, and personal preference. Asphalt is typically less expensive and offers better traction in winter but requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan than concrete. Concrete, while more costly upfront, tends to last longer and requires less maintenance, but it can be slippery in icy conditions and may crack in freeze-thaw cycles.

Removing snow from an asphalt driveway can be done effectively with a plastic shovel to prevent surface damage. After clearing the snow, applying a safe ice melt product that won’t harm the asphalt can help prevent ice formation.

A: To make your driveway less slippery in the snow, apply a layer of eco-friendly ice melt product. Additionally, consider using a chemical-free traction agent which provides instant traction on icy surfaces. Regularly shoveling snow and breaking up ice patches also help maintain a safer, less slippery driveway.

To fix a slippery asphalt driveway, firstly clear any snow or ice. If the slipperiness is due to the smooth texture of the asphalt, applying a sealant with added grit can improve traction. In the winter, using ice melt products that are safe for asphalt and applying chemical-free traction agents can help prevent slipperiness.

To get rid of black ice, use an ice melt product that is effective at low temperatures and safe for your driveway material. To prevent black ice, ensure proper drainage to prevent standing water and regularly apply ice melt before expected freeze events. Also, keeping walkways and driveways clear of snow reduces the chances of melted snow refreezing into black ice.

A: The cost of asphalt for a driveway varies based on the size of the driveway, geographic location, thickness of the asphalt, and current market prices for materials and labor. On average, installing an asphalt driveway can cost between $2,500 and $10,000. It’s advisable to get quotes from several contractors to get a precise estimate for your specific driveway.

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