Winter Maintenance for Your Home’s Driveway
San Jose by no means has the coldest winters in the country, but it can get chilly in the area and even snow on occasion. To prevent harsh weather from creating or exacerbating cracks and fissures in your home’s driveway, there are a number of precautions you can take using tools you own or equipment you can rent . You can keep your driveway functional and attractive throughout the season and all year long by:
Filling Cracks
Winter weather has a tendency to expand cracks and other imperfections in concrete. By filling cracks in your concrete driveway or sidewalk while they are still small, you can spare yourself hassle and expense. A stiff brush, concrete-specific crack filler, and a putty knife are the three most important tools for this project, and you should be able to pick them up at your nearest hardware or home improvement equipment rental store.
Sealing Blacktop
To promote longevity, blacktop driveways should be resealed every couple of years. If it has been awhile since you last sealed your driveway, consider doing so the next time the temperature creeps above 50 degrees. Thoroughly clean and dry blacktop before applying a thin coat of sealant with a squeegee.
Attending to Expansion Joints
To protect the joints between concrete slabs on your driveway or sidewalk, fill them with liquid tar or window insulating foam. Before you do this, clean out the joints and rinse them with a high-pressure water hose. Once they have dried, they are ready to be filled.
Repairing Crooked and Upheaved Slabs
Slabs that have shifted or been upheaved are unsightly and dangerous, and should be repaired as timely as possible. If you have related experience, you may be able to rent the tools you need repair and level uneven slabs. Otherwise, call a concrete contractor.
A Tool Shed in San Jose has everything you need to get your driveway in great condition this winter. With 60 years of experience renting first-rate home improvement tools and equipment to DIY-focused homeowners and skilled contractors, we are familiar with the tools required for various tasks and can help you choose your equipment rentals accordingly. To learn more about our inventory or to make equipment rental arrangements, call (831) 359-4769 or visit one of our six San Jose area locations.