Interlocking pavers can boost your property’s curb appeal and act as an additional landscaping feature. But what happens in the winter when snow and ice threaten to damage your interlocking pavers? Below, we explain some of the common challenges with having interlocking pavers and how commercial property owners can resolve these issues.
Winter Challenges for Interlocking Pavers on Commercial Properties in Brampton
- Freezing and Thawing Cycles: Freezing and thawing cycles during the winter months can cause the pavers to expand and contract, allowing moisture to infiltrate the joints between the pavers.
- Snow and Ice Accumulation: The weight of snow and/or ice may cause the paving stones to crack and shift. Ice buildup on interlocking pavers also increases the risk of slips and falls.
- Use of De-Icing Chemicals & Salts: Special de-icing chemicals can corrode the surface of interlocking pavers. This can weaken the material and lead to further erosion of the surrounding area. Salt products can also discolour and permanently stain the pavers.
- Wear and Tear from Snow Removal: Appropriate snow removal tools and techniques should be used to avoid scuffing or chipping the pavers. Using metal on the stonework can scrap the surface and dig into the protective sealant and/or sand between the joints.
Practical Solutions to Protect Interlocking Pavers During the Winter
Interlocking pavers are a lavish addition to any commercial property. Professional winter maintenance services can be customized to meet the needs of your property and protect your investment by extending the lifespan of pavers and keeping your property safe.
- Proactive Maintenance Before the Winter: Proactive professional maintenance for interlocking pavers begins before the first snowfall. Damaged pavers or areas where sand is missing within the joints should be addressed. It is important to inspect and repair pavers in high-traffic areas before, during, and after the winter months.
- Proper Installation: Proper installation of interlocking pavers is the first step in ensuring they survive the winter months. The foundation should have a proper drainage system and polymeric sand should be used within the joints to prevent water infiltration. The underlying base should also be compacted with sand to ensure safety.
- Sealing: Sealing pavers with a high-quality sealant protects the paving stones from potential damage due to salting, sanding, and moisture damage. Harsh winter conditions such as snow, rain, and ice can severely damage the interlocking pavers.
- Safe De-Icing Alternatives: Using de-icing alternatives on your pavers is essential to properly manage snow and ice management on commercial properties. Traditional salting products can damage the surface of the pavers, leading to irreplicable deterioration.
- Snow Removal Techniques: Commercial businesses need to be careful when it comes to snow removal to ensure the interlocking pavers are not damaged or shifted out of place. In addition to using eco-friendly de-icing products, only brooms or plastic shovels should be used to remove snow.
- Regular Inspections: Scheduling regular property inspections can help business owners identify potential issues that can arise during the winter months. Chips, cracks, and loss of sand can adversely affect the foundation and safety of the pavers. The stability of the stonework is crucial to prevent drainage issues such as water pooling.
- Professional Winter Maintenance: Investing in professional snow and ice removal services can save business owners time and money. At FOREVER GREEN, we install, repair, and perform maintenance on interlocking pavers. Our 24/7 support services enhance the safety, security, and aesthetic appeal of your commercial property.
Long-Term Advantages of Protecting Interlocking Pavers During the Winter
- Increased Lifespan
- Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
- Reduced Repair Costs
- Improved Property Aesthetics and Value
- Peace of Mind
Ready to Protect the Interlocking Pavers on Your Commercial Property? Contact FOREVER GREEN Today!
To learn more about the challenges of maintaining interlocking pavers in the winter, speak to the team at FOREVER GREEN LAWN & LANDSCAPE INC. We offer a range of year-round landscaping services including eco-friendly de-icing for businesses and commercial properties.
Contact us today at (905) 454-0875, email info@forevergreenoutdoors.com, or use this form to schedule a free onsite consultation to see how our commercial property winter maintenance services can benefit you.
