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Investing in your pavers immediately increased your property’s value. During the warmer months, it increased your curb appeal as well. However, the winter months can wreak just as much havoc on your pavers as it does the rest of your property. Properly caring for your pavers during snowfalls and ice will ensure your pavers do not suffer from cold-related damages. Below are a few tips on how to keep your pavers free of slippery ice, cleared of snow and protected from the elements.
Pre-Snow Preparations
Hopefully, you sealed your pavers before the winter months approached. Sealing your pavers will help prevent water from seeping into any cracks or crevices. When this water freezes during the winter, it expands and causes more serious damages. If you did not seal your pavers, make a mental note to do it next year! However, whether you sealed your pavers or not, make sure you keep them free of debris. Sweep off any accumulated dirt, grass and leaves to ensure you only need to remove snow or ice this winter.
A Word on De-Icing
Sodium chloride, also known as your common rock salt, is often used for de-icing. However, as rock salt melts your ice, it mixes with it to create a brine. This salty water can seep into the cracks between pavers or paver surface and cause issues later. Efflorescence is a chemical reaction that occurs when salts evaporate through the paver surface. Using rock salt may lead to an efflorescence problem as the warmer weather approaches. It is also likely to damage any surrounding greenery. Experts and paver manufacturers recommend the use of calcium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate instead.
Know Your Pavers
Inspect your pavers before the snow sets in. Know where your damages are. But, more importantly, know where any uneven pavers sit. If you did not repair these prior to the winter, it is very important that you are aware of their location when shoveling snow. Snow shoveling is a physical activity that can result in injuries to the back and neck easily. It seems silly but hitting a paver that sticks out a bit can seriously injury you. If you feel pain in your back, neck or chest at any time while shoveling, stop and seek medical attention.
Snow Shoveling
Removing snow from your pavers uses the same techniques as removing snow from your asphalt driveway. The main difference, however, is that you should not use the metal tipped shovels or snow blowers. Instead, use a plastic snow shovel. If using a snow blower, a plastic tip or rubber edge should be added before use. Metal lips on these items can scratch or chip your pavers. Protect your investment and go with plastic tools.
Maintain a natural spine as you shovel and lift as little as possible. When lifting, keep your arms as close to your body as possible and lift through your legs. Your feet should be shoulder width apart to ensure you maintain your balance while lifting.
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