One of the best upgrades you can make to your outdoor spaces is the addition of pavers. On your patios, walkways, or driveway, pavers look beautiful and they’re strong and durable. But if you’re the proud owner of outdoor paver features here in northern Nevada, you may be wondering if all of our recent snow will damage them. It’s true that our local freeze-thaw cycles can be stressful on outdoor features. Fortunately, with the right care, you can ensure your paver patios and walkways look and perform their best, no matter how much snow falls. Here’s what the experts at Harris Landscape Construction recommend.
Don’t Skip Sealant
A good sealant creates a protective layer between your pavers and the elements – hot or cold – to keep them safe from weather-related chips, scrapes, and erosion. A sealer also repels water, an important feature that keeps these stones from seeping moisture. This is an important detail, since water and ice can do major damage within the pavers themselves.
When it comes to sealers, there are many options, including penetrating formulas for better absorption or those made with grit for a non-slip service. If you’re wondering which sealant is right for your paver features, Harris Landscape Construction can help. Let us make a professional recommendation or even provide an estimate to complete the work for you. While it’s not a terribly difficult project, sealing pavers does have a few steps and it can be time consuming. The weather also has to cooperate, so bear that in mind!
Don’t Use Salt or Ice-Melting Products
It’s not uncommon for people to use salt on slipper surfaces. It speeds up the melting process and provides traction. Unfortunately, salt and other ice-melting products you can buy at the hardware store should not be used on your pavers. These products are corrosive, and that characteristic isn’t limited to its effect on the ice! Come spring and warmer weather, the damage to your pavers will be evident. These products can have a detrimental effect on the surface of your pavers, and even inside them as well. Salt in the melting ice can seep into the pavers and freeze again when temperatures drop, leading to undesirable effects like flaking, discoloration, and other problems. If you must use a de-icer, read the ingredients carefully, as a salt is often added. In a pinch, kitty litter is probably a better choice.
Clear Them Off
It’s not always possible, but try to clear off your pavers after snowfall. The goal is to keep them clear of debris, so opt for a big broom to brush away what you can. The longer debris sits on your pavers, the greater the likelihood of stains. If there’s too much snow to broom, be careful with that shovel!
If you have questions about keeping your pavers in shape over this wild winter, contact Harris Landscape Construction today. We’re happy to help.
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