As winter sets in, your interlock paving will be put through demanding conditions over the next few months. Installed by professional landscaping contractors, interlocking stones can withstand even the coldest temperatures without suffering any structural or aesthetic damage.
The cold temperatures do not affect the stones themselves, but they can have a long-lasting effect on surfaces that lock together. Your interlocking stones will require extra care and attention during these months to keep them safe, and the following advice will be helpful in this regard:
Perform A Pre-Winter Inspection
Confirm that the joints between the pavers are adequately filled with polymeric sand and that the paver edging is firmly in place in all interlocking landscaped areas. It is advised that you finish this inspection in September or October to allow time for any interlocking repairs that might be required to prevent the stones from shifting and heaving over the winter.
Use Reliable Ice Melting Equipment
Using reliable ice-melting equipment will prevent the slipping of your interlocking driveways and patios. Since some ice-melting products are more effective than others, choose the right products that contain a blend of safe chemicals for plants and animals and interlocking slabs.
To melt the ice off the stones, follow the brand directions and use the least force necessary. Rock salt should not be used as a de-icer as it is very harsh on interlocking stones and will have adverse effects.
When Using A Snow Blower, Utilize The Right Precautions
Snow blowers can be used on interlocking driveways, but you should use a single-stage or double-stage model with a rubber paddle rather than a steel blade. If a rubber paddle model is not available, use extreme caution when moving the steel paddles over your interlocking stones.
Use a setting that prevents the blades from making contact with the ground as doing so could scratch your stones and alter the appearance of your interlocking pavers.
Also Read: Why Is It Important To Seal Your Interlock Driveway And Patio?
Avoid Removing Snow And Ice With A Metal-Tipped Shovel
Metal blades have the potential to etch away the paving’s surface over time, which will change the way your stones look. They can scratch the surface and cause surface scratching. Instead of risking damage to the interlocking stones, use a full plastic shovel to clear any snow accumulation or reduce the number of stones in your interlocking driveway.
Avoid Using Snow Plow Trucks On Interlocking Driveways
Your interlocking driveway stones will be severely scratched by the metal blade attached to most of these trucks. Even if the company covers the truck’s blade with a rubber protector, this will completely ruin its appearance.
The pressure from the truck pushing the blade into your driveway during this step could still harm your interlocking area and cause your interlock pavers to shift.
Add Polymer Sand
The only places where polymer sand is required are those where spring erosion has occurred. The joints between the pavers are empty in the springtime due to erosion. For the spots where the joints have broken, add polymer sand to these areas.
Polymer sand will help to lessen the amount of ice that accumulates between the joints during the winter. This will help prevent weeds from forming the following spring. You can buy polymer sand from your neighbourhood store.
Stop Weeds From Growing
For three to five years after proper application, weeds, moss, and algae cannot grow between pavers due to the polymeric sand’s rock-hard surface.
The polymers in the sand will eventually degrade due to exposure to the outdoors and the use of interlocking pavers. To make the most of your installation, it is crucial to install high-quality polymeric sand correctly.
Compacting the sand is necessary for a tightly compacted joint that will last longer. Use a leaf blower to assist you in cleaning the sand off your pavers after you have carefully swept the sand into the cracks.
About Burloak Landscaping
Burloak Landscaping is a full-service landscaping design and construction company. We are experts in interlocking patios, pools, and driveways. We have the know-how to turn your uninspiring property into a paradise, from landscape design to the installation of landscape lights, pools, patios, and driveways. Learn more about Burloak Landscaping.
Are you considering an interlocking patio or driveway? Contact us now.
