Summer is the best time to winterize your driveway in California. Warm, dry weather makes it easy to clean, inspect, and seal your driveway before cold weather causes damage.
Fixing small issues now helps prevent bigger, more expensive problems later.
At Betz Works, we’ve been paving and protecting driveways in California’s Central Coast and the Bay Area for over 50 years.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps we recommend to get your driveway ready for winter.
Key Takeaways
- Protect your California driveway by winterizing it before cold, wet weather causes cracks and erosion.
- Clean the surface, check for damage, fill cracks, clear drainage, reseal, trim plants, and treat moss to get your driveway winter-ready.
- Professionals like Betz Works use advanced tools and techniques to seal, repair, resurface, and maintain driveways across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties.
How to Winterize Your Driveway in California
1. Clean the Surface
Start by getting rid of all the dirt, leaves, and clutter.
- Sweep off sticks and debris
- Power wash to remove built-up grime
- Move any cars, bikes, or trash bins
A clean surface helps sealant and crack filler stick better and last longer.
2. Look for Cracks or Damage
Once the driveway dries, check for cracks, holes, or spots where water might collect.
Even tiny cracks can grow when water gets in and freezes.
Mark the damaged spots so you can fix them in the next step.
3. Fill the Cracks
Use a good crack filler to seal up the areas you marked. This keeps water out and stops more cracks from forming.
You can try doing it yourself with a store-bought filler, but if the damage is wide or deep, it’s best to call a pro for better results.
4. Check Drainage
If drains or gutters overflow, water can back up onto your driveway and cause erosion, cracking, or slick surfaces.
Look for:
- Low spots where water collects
- Clogged gutters or downspouts
- Uneven ground around the edges
Clear leaves and debris from gutters, downspouts, and French/trench drains.
If water isn’t draining right, you might need to regrade the area. A professional can help with that.
5. Reseal Your Driveway if It’s Time
If it’s been 2–4 years since you last sealed your asphalt driveway, it’s time to do it again.
Sealant adds a protective layer that guards against moisture, sun, and chemical damage.
Do it in late summer or early fall before the rainy season starts. Hire a pro for best results, or use a store-bought product for small areas.
6. Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes
Cut back any branches hanging over your driveway before winter hits.
Dropping leaves, sap, or storm debris can stain or wear down the surface.
Trim them in late summer or early fall to keep the area clean and help your driveway dry faster after rain.
7. Check for Moss
In shady or coastal areas like Santa Cruz and Monterey, moss often build up on driveways during the rainy season.
These slick spots can be hazardous and wear down the surface over time.
After the first few storms, check for green buildup and clean it with a pressure washer and eco-friendly cleaner.
For trouble spots, consider applying an anti-moss treatment to keep it from coming back.
How Professionals Winterize Driveways
Some driveway projects you can handle on your own, but others are better left to professionals. That’s where we come in.
At Betz Works, we’ve been helping homeowners across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and Santa Clara Counties get their driveways ready for winter (and everything else) for over 50 years.
Whether you have asphalt, concrete, gravel, or something in between, we know how to take care of it.
Here’s what we can do for you:
Crack Repair
Those little cracks in your driveway? They don’t stay little for long.
We’ll repair them before water or cold weather makes them worse. It’s a simple fix that saves you from bigger headaches later.
Asphalt Sealcoating
Sealcoating helps keep your driveway looking good and holding up against weather, sun, and everyday use.
We use a durable coal tar emulsion that protects the surface from water, wear, and things like oil spills.
Sealing every few years can make your driveway last longer and help you avoid bigger repairs down the road.
Patching and Resurfacing
If your driveway looks rough but doesn’t need to be replaced, patching or resurfacing can bring it back to life.
We smooth out the top layer so it’s solid, safe, and clean again.
Driveway Grading
Got a gravel or dirt driveway? You know how fast those ruts and bumps can form, especially after some rain.
We regrade the surface, fix soft spots in the base, and level everything out so your driveway drains properly and holds up through winter rain and wear.
Sinkhole Repair
Sinkholes can cause serious damage to your driveway and are often a sign of underlying issues like erosion, root decay, or burrowing pests.
We’ll find the cause, rebuild the area from the ground up, and make it solid again, with fresh asphalt to finish the job.
Routine Driveway Maintenance
Just like anything else around your home, a driveway needs regular maintenance.
We’ll clean it, fix any cracks, seal it up, and check in to make sure everything’s holding up.
It’s a small effort that makes a big difference in how long your driveway lasts.
Getting Ready for Winter? We’ve Got You Covered.
If you’re in Santa Cruz, Monterey, Santa Clara County—or anywhere nearby—and want to get your driveway ready before the wet season arrives, give us a call.
Whether you need repairs, sealing, grading, or just a little maintenance, we’re here to help.
Call us at 831-400-8466 to schedule your free estimate.
FAQ
Why should I winterize my driveway?
Even in a place like Santa Cruz, winter weather can do some damage. Rain and cold can turn small cracks into big ones.
Prepping your driveway now helps prevent all that and saves you money on future repairs.
When’s the best time to winterize my driveway?
Late summer or early fall is your best window. The weather’s dry, which means any sealant has time to cure. You’ll be all set before the rainy season rolls in.
Do asphalt and concrete need different care?
They do. Asphalt is more flexible, but it still needs sealing every few years.
Concrete is more prone to cracking and salt damage in cold weather, so it needs a gentler approach.
Either way, it’s best to fill any cracks before winter starts.