With cooler temperatures ahead, it’s time to prepare your outdoor spaces for winter. Concrete pavers are manufactured to endure the harsh effects of winter and typically require minimal maintenance. However, there are simple steps you can take to ensure your pavers and other hardscape products stand the test of time.
Fall Inspection
As leaves start to fall, it’s important to remove them and other debris from paver surfaces before rainfall or snow to prevent staining. It’s good practice to regularly check paver patios, driveways, and walkways during fall. Ensure pavers, steps, and seat walls are secure. It’s best to resolve any issues before winter, as freeze/thaw cycles can make problems worse. Timely repairs can extend the service life of your outdoor living space and prevent injury.
Joint Maintenance
The loss of sufficient joint materials between pavers and slabs over time may make paving units prone to shifting after frequent freeze/thaw cycles. Joint materials ensure the proper interlock of units for stability and minimize the presence of insects and weeds between pavers. County Materials recommends natural sand, specified by ASTM C144, as the preferred paver joint material in conjunction with a sand joint stabilizer.
Follow manufacturer specifications and industry standards when installing joint material. ICPI Standards recommend joints be 1/8” to 1/4” below the edge of the paver to channel water and prevent material from being brushed out during routine cleaning. Once the joint material is dry, completely remove excess material to prevent staining or scuffing on the pavers’ surface.
Snow and Ice Removal
It’s best to remove snow from paver surfaces before it is compacted or turns to ice. Use a rubber plate guard on the tip of any shovel or equipment used for snow removal to reduce the risk of damage to the pavers’ surface. Shovel at an angle to the pavers’ edges to prevent catching or damaging the pavers. Industry best practices include not using deicing agents on concrete landscape products, as these agents may be harmful to concrete products when used in excess. County Materials recommends using sand for skid and slip resistance.
For more information on installation and maintenance best practices, read our Care and Maintenance guidelines for Pavers and Patio Products.