How Snow Blowers Affect Driveway Surfaces: Avoiding Damage To Asphalt And Concrete

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 If you’ve recently purchased a snow blower or are exploring options for snow removal, one question you may have is how it will impact your driveway. While snow blowers are incredibly effective in clearing snow, improper use or the wrong type of machine can sometimes damage your driveway’s surface. This blog will help you understand how snow blowers affect asphalt and concrete driveways and offer tips to prevent any unwanted damage.

Understanding the Potential for Damage

Snow blowers, especially heavier or poorly adjusted models, can scrape or crack driveway surfaces if not used correctly. Here are some common concerns:

  1. Scratches and Scuffs:
    The metal auger or scraper bar of the snow blower can leave visible scratches on asphalt or concrete if it isn’t properly maintained or adjusted.

  2. Chipping or Cracking:
    Concrete driveways, particularly older ones with small cracks, are prone to further chipping when subjected to the force of a snow blower.

  3. Uneven Surfaces:
    Driveways with loose gravel, uneven paving, or exposed aggregate can be damaged by snow blowers that drag or push debris along with the snow.

Tips to Protect Your Driveway

To ensure your snow blower works efficiently without harming your driveway, follow these simple steps:

1. Use Plastic Skid Shoes

Most snow blowers come with metal skid shoes to maintain a gap between the auger and the ground. However, metal skid shoes can leave scratches on driveways. Replace them with plastic or non-abrasive skid shoes, which glide smoothly without damaging surfaces.

2. Adjust the Scraper Bar

The scraper bar at the base of your snow blower is designed to lift snow off the ground. Adjusting it slightly higher than the driveway surface ensures it doesn’t scrape against the asphalt or concrete.

3. Choose the Right Snow Blower

For smooth driveways, single-stage or two-stage snow blowers with rubber paddles are less likely to cause damage. Rubber paddles flex against the ground instead of digging into it, offering a gentler clearing experience.

4. Be Cautious on Gravel Driveways

If your driveway has loose gravel, use a two-stage or three-stage snow blower with adjustable skid shoes. Raise the auger slightly to avoid scooping up gravel and causing scratches.

5. Avoid Clearing Down to the Surface

While a completely clean driveway may look appealing, removing the snow down to the surface increases the risk of scratches. Leave a thin layer of snow that can melt or be managed with salt or sand.

6. Inspect and Maintain Your Driveway

Fill any cracks or potholes in your driveway before winter arrives. A smoother surface minimizes the chances of further damage during snow removal.

Snow Blowers and Surface Types

Different driveway surfaces react differently to snow blowers:

  • Asphalt Driveways:
    Asphalt is flexible and durable but prone to scuffing from metal parts. Using rubber-paddle snow blowers and skid shoes can minimize this risk.

  • Concrete Driveways:
    Concrete is harder but more brittle than asphalt. It’s more likely to chip or crack if a snow blower’s auger or scraper bar hits an uneven surface.

  • Gravel Driveways:
    Gravel driveways require extra care to prevent the auger from scooping stones. Using a high-clearance setting on your snow blower is essential.

Snow Blower Models Designed for Driveway Protection

If you’re in the market for a snow blower, here are some options that are gentle on driveways:

  1. Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower
    This lightweight single-stage blower features rubber-tipped augers, which reduce the risk of scratches.

  2. Husqvarna ST224 Gas-Powered Snow Blower
    A two-stage model with adjustable skid shoes, ideal for protecting asphalt and concrete surfaces.

  3. Troy-Bilt Squall 208XP Single-Stage Snow Blower
    Its rubber auger ensures gentle clearing, making it perfect for smooth driveways.

Pro Tips for Safe Snow Removal

  • Clear Snow Early: Fresh snow is easier to remove and requires less force, reducing the risk of scraping your driveway.

  • Inspect Your Snow Blower: Check the auger, skid shoes, and scraper bar regularly for wear and tear. Worn parts can cause unnecessary damage to the driveway.

  • Go Slow: Operate the snow blower at a steady pace to avoid jerking movements that could damage the surface.

Conclusion

Snow blowers are powerful tools for winter maintenance, but improper use can damage your driveway. By choosing the right equipment, adjusting your snow blower correctly, and taking preventive measures, you can keep your driveway in great condition while enjoying the convenience of snow removal.

If you’re still deciding on the perfect snow blower, check out our snow blower reviews to find the best options for your driveway type. With a little care and attention, you can make winter snow clearing safe and hassle-free.

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