There are a few ways that you can keep your paver driveway, patio, and walkway looking its best throughout the seasons. By preparing for poor weather ahead of time, you can add longevity to your pavers. With simple maintenance, you can save yourself money, and ensure you won’t have to replace your patio or walkway from year-to-year. Here’s how you can protect you pavers from the winter weather:
Get the Pavers Sealed: A sealer can go a very long way when it comes to protecting your paver from the elements and winter weather. It acts as a barrier for the stones so nothing shifts, and it prevents water from getting into the stones to damage them. The sealer also acts as a non-slip grip for those slippery stones.
“A sealer can go a very long way when it comes to protecting your paver from the elements and winter weather.”
“Salt will damage pavers, causing them to start eroding.”
Refrain From Salt-De-Icers: Salt will damage pavers, causing them to start eroding. The purpose of the salt is to melt the snow but the salt doesn’t wash away easily. It stays on the stones and refreezes because the temperature remains below freezing for so long. The cycle restarts itself every time salt is added to de-ice your driveway, walkway, and patio. As the salt builds up, the salt/snow mixture will expand causing discoloration, flaking, erosion, and other problems.
Make Sure Everything Is Cleaned: Before the snow really starts falling, sweep off and remove any dirt, leaves, and other debris from your pavers. If leaves and dirt are stuck on your pavers during the winter it could end up damaging the stones. When you shovel, never use a metal. Metal can possibly damage and chip the paver stones. Stick to a plastic shovel or a snow blower depending on the size of the area. If necessary, get a plastic guard on your metal shovel. That way the pavers can stay protected.
“Stick to a plastic shovel or a snow blower depending on the size of the area.”
