If you have concrete pavers or are thinking about having some installed, you might be asking, “What do I need to do to get them ready for winter?” Although concrete pavers are designed to hold up well through the winter weather, there are a few things you might consider before winter arrives.
1. Remove Heavy Furniture and Equipment
Before the first freeze, remove your tables, grills, fire pits, heavy umbrella stands, and other weighty items from the patio. During the freeze-and-thaw cycles that occur over the winter, these heavy items may cause the area below them to sink as the rest of the patio shifts and flexes with the freezing and thawing. Leaving these heavy items in place can cause uneven settling or indentations, especially in areas where moisture collects underneath.
2. Clear Away Leaves and Debris
Fall cleanup is essential! Leaves, dirt, and other debris left on your patio can create stains or mildew over the winter months. A quick sweep now will save you from discoloration later.
3. Top Off the Joint Sand
For those who have patios and walkways that are older than 15 years, we recommend checking the joint material and topping it off as needed each year. The sand should be about 1/8″ below the chamfer of the paver edge. Doing so before winter (if the sand level is low) helps the pavers stay in place and allows for proper drainage.
Older paver installation with regular sand in the joints requires more maintenance yearly. For a long-term solution, we recommend a professional polymeric sand installation, which will bind to the pavers, lock them together, and reduce their shifting during the freeze-thaw cycles. The best part of polymeric sand is that it also doesn’t need to be replenished every year.
👉 Want some tips on using Polymeric Sand? Check out our blog with 9 Expert Tips on Using Polymeric Sand on Paver Patios and Driveways.
👉 Want to install polymeric sand into your older patio or walkway? Learn more about our Hardscape Cleaning & Maintenance services or request a quote today
4. Inspect for Drainage or Settling Issues
Walk on your patio after heavy rain and look for puddles or low spots. Standing water can turn into ice patches in the winter, which can cause slippery surfaces and long-term damage.
5. Practice Safe Snow and Ice Removal
Most pavers have a chamfered or recessed edge that allows a plow or shovel to ride over it smoothly. However, some concrete pavers have a raised or dimpled texture on the surface. These can be scratched and scarred from plows if you aren’t careful.
To prevent damage, use plastic or rubber-edged shovels rather than metal to avoid scratching. If snow blowing or plowing, make sure the blades are lifted slightly off the surface to protect the paver edges.
6. Choose Ice Melt Products Carefully
Some ice-melting chemicals can cause damage over time, so please read the instructions on the containers and bags before using anything. Generally, de-icing agents such as sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride are generally safe for use on your pavers, as long as they are applied properly.
Quick Note: De-icing agents are meant for after treatment, not pre-treatment, like we see on the roads. It’s important that the product be applied to snow and ice, not pavers by themselves.
Techo-Bloc recommends that you use these products sparingly and only where ice and snow have built up, rather than spreading them directly on bare pavers. Over-application and overuse can lead to discoloration of the surfaces.
7. Get a Professional to Protect and Seal Your Pavers
Even with proper preparation, New England winters can be tough on your hardscape. To help your patio last longer and look its best, consider having your pavers professionally cleaned, sealed, and protected before or after winter. Regular sealing can help preserve the color of your pavers, prevent joint erosion, and make cleaning your pavers much easier in the future.
If you’d rather skip the hassle of doing it yourself, Bahler Brothers’ Hardscape Cleaning & Maintenance team can handle everything for you, including protection, repair, and restoration.
👉 Learn more about our Hardscape Cleaning & Maintenance services or request a quote today to protect your patio before winter hits.
