Many countries across the US are experiencing snow these days. The frigid weather is expected to last for the next couple of months. This can take a toll on pavers by reducing their life. However, by taking a few preventive steps, the life of the pavers can be extended.
Here are some tips that can help protect pavers during the cold winter months.
1. Avoid Using Deicing Agents
Many deicing agents are harmful for pavers. Apart from damaging them, they can kill the surrounding plants and grass due to a higher concentration of salt.
Instead of using a deicing agent such as rock salt or others, you should simply clean the driveway and then use sand. Sand is not only cheaper but also environmentally friendly. Moreover, it will give greater traction to your pavers.
2. Seal the Pavers
Pavers should be sealed to avoid damage. Water that enters through cracks can expand and damage them. By sealing the pavers, you can provide added protection to them. As a result, the water will stay on the surface.
Experts recommend sealing pavers every five years. The cost of sealing will be a lot less in the long run than the repair costs due to winter damage.
3. Use a Composite Decking Material
A composite decking material should be used for building outdoor decks. This will ensure that water does not slip and damage the pavers. Moreover, using a composite decking material can also prevent damage to the deck surface.
The deck should also be sealed to avoid water running off the surface, thereby preventing pavers from getting damaged during the winter season.
4. Paver Design
In areas that receive a lot of snowfall, it’s important to design a driveway that accommodates heavy objects such as snow plows. The forethought can prevent costly repairs later on.
If your pavers are not made from a high quality material, they may get scratched or cracked due to regular plowing. While cracks and chips may not affect the life of pavers, they may decrease their aesthetic appeal. To avoid damage, choose pavers that are not made out of aggressive textures.
5. Paver Color
Apart from design, the color of a paver also affects the degradation level during winters. Darker color tends to attract a lot of heat due to which snow can melt faster. So, this is something you should consider when selecting pavers for your driveway.
On a final note, make sure that the pavers are made of high-quality materials. While quality pavers may be costly, they can save you a lot of money in the long term since you will pay less in repairs. A higher quality paver can last for decades without any problems.
The concrete material used should have a high PSI since it will be less likely to be affected by deicing agents during winter. The PSI strength determines the concrete’s strength, as well as the porosity and absorption level. This will less likely result in pavers getting damaged due to snow.
Give JJW Brick a call today at 1-800-BRICK-PAVERS to for more tips on how to maintain your brick pavers this Michigan winter.
