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Since freeze-thaw cycles throughout the winter months can damage your driveway, it's best to winterize your driveway in the late fall before the first freeze hits. Doing so will help to protect your driveway from damage throughout the winter season. Plus, drier, warmer weather makes applying and curing sealant much easier.

Maintaining a driveway depends on its material. For concrete and asphalt, it's best to clean the surface thoroughly twice a year with a stiff broom and a pressure washer to remove accumulated dirt and debris. Sealing the driveway is crucial to protect it from water damage and freeze-thaw cycles. Before applying a sealant, pressure wash the surface to remove any loose sealant, dirt, or stains, as sealing over them will trap them. Any cracks or expansion joints should be filled with a flexible polyurethane caulk or asphalt sealer. In colder climates, use sand instead of salt for de-icing. Sand helps melt snow and ice without accelerating the freeze-thaw process, which can cause cracks.

Oil-based sealers generally offer longer results for driveways in cold climates. If you experience extreme temperatures, oil sealants offer a level of flexibility that makes them expand and contract along with the freeze-thaw cycle instead of cracking.

It is not recommended to seal brand-new asphalt immediately. You should wait at least three months after installation to allow the asphalt time to cure properly. Applying a seal coat too soon can trap the asphalt's oils and chemicals, preventing it from fully hardening. This can result in a weaker surface that is more susceptible to damage. After the three-month curing period, sealing the asphalt is beneficial as it can extend its lifespan by protecting it from water, UV rays, and other damaging elements.