Every homeowner understands the importance of maintaining their property. It pays off to keep everything in great shape so that you can maximize the return on investment when the time comes to sell. Each season poses different challenges when it comes to maintenance. Winter, for example, requires special treatment for the driveway. From snow removal to protection against the freeze/thaw cycle, follow these tips to keep the residential paving in good condition and avoid a driveway replacement.

Driveway Maintenance Tips for the Winter

1. Do the Necessary Repairs
Do essential repairs before winter takes its toll on your driveway. Fill in any cracks or holes so that water and ice don’t penetrate the outer layer and worsen these problems. Once you deal with cracks and holes, apply a sealant for extra protection. This seal prevents unwanted materials from further damaging the driveway during the winter.

2. Be Smart About Snow Removal
Snow blanketing your driveway is inevitable, and when it happens, it’s important to use smart snow removal strategies. Use a rubber-tipped shovel instead of a metal one to avoid scraping the top layer of the driveway. If you’re plowing, make sure the skid plates are adjusted to at least a ¼ inch above the driveway to avoid damage.

3. Create Favorable Drainage
Another thing you can do to protect the driveway is to ensure the drainage systems around the property don’t contribute to potential damage. Keep gutter spouts pointed away from the driveway, and put up retaining walls for problematic areas to prevent water from pooling in your driveway.


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.

If you’re a homeowner or business owner with a paved driveway or parking lot, eventually you will need to have these surfaces repaved. Fall is the perfect time of year to tackle all your residential and commercial paving projects. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about autumn repaving.

A Guide to Fall Repaving

What is the most weather-resistant type of pavement?
Asphalt pavement beats concrete in terms of durability and aesthetic-appeal. It expands and contracts without getting unsightly damage, making it the superior choice for pavement resurfacing in regions where fall and winter come with rapidly dropping temperatures.

Which weather conditions are best for asphalt paving?
The ideal temperature for repaving or installing new asphalt is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but a residential or commercial paving contractor can perform this job in ambient temperatures 20 degrees lower than that. Calm, sunny days are best, as windy or cloudy conditions can make asphalt cool faster than normal, causing it to set too fast.

What is the advantage of paving in the autumn?
Have residential and commercial paving done in the fall so you can repair small cracks to prevent them from filling with water, freezing, expanding, and turning into bigger cracks over the winter. For a business owner, autumn repaving has the added advantage of getting the parking lot in tip-top condition before the bustling holiday season.

What other property improvements can protect my pavement?
Heavy autumn rains and winter snow melting from your rooftop strains your gutter system, and if they drain or overflow onto your pavement, the perpetual moisture could damage the asphalt. Inspect your gutters in early fall, and take care of any problem areas before harsh weather sets in.


If you need reliable asphalt paving or snow removal, contact Guarco Construction in Granby, CT. We are family-owned and -operated, and have served Hartford County and the surrounding areas since 1974. We specialize in commercial and residential paving and snow removal. We are renowned for their friendly, dependable service, attention to detail, and competitive rates. Learn more about us online or call (860) 278-5558 to schedule your snow removal or asphalt paving.