How To Keep Your Driveway Pavers Safe This Winter?

Getting snow? A lot of it? How are you taking care of your new pavement in this harsh winter? Puddles of water, metal shovel, salt can all cause damage to it. Snow and ice buildup can cause drainage issues. 

When the water seeped in pavers freezes, it produces pressure that may result in long-term damage to your driveway or patios. Freeze-thaw damage may appear as either internal cracking or surface scaling. 

Therefore, you need to get rid of the snow as it may seep in and cause cracking. Then how do you clear snow from your patios, driveways, and pathways laid with pavers? 

In this article, we will discuss how to keep your pavers safe without making any mistakes.

Best Ice Melt For Concrete

1- Don’t Shovel-

Pavers are composed of concrete, so they are quite strong. But if plowed with a metal shovel, it may chip it off or scratch it.

2- Don’t use rock salt

Don’t use any salt or chloride-based or magnesium-based ice melt on your paver as it may cause irreparable damage to it. It may also cause premature aging of your paver. The most common ice melt, rock salt, only lowers the refreezing temperature to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It means that ice melt from rock salt will thaw and refreeze anytime the temperature fluctuates above and below 20 degrees, thus causing further damage.

Most of the ice melt that you get in the market are chemical or salt-based. They are corrosive in nature (even that bag of salt that has a non-corrosive inhibitor). The fact is chloride causes corrosion. These ice melt can damage your plants & vegetation, are hazardous to pets, and even burn the bottom of their paws.  

3- Don’t compromise on the ice melt

However, there are non-chloride ice melt also available in the market. These ice melt are non-toxic, pet-friendly, and non-corrosive. These are ideal ice melt for the driveway as they act as pre-treatment also. Few ice melts can prevent ice from sticking to surfaces for up to three days, making it easy to clear the snow later.

A good ice melt for a driveway can extend its lifespan. So, look for an ice melt that will keep melted ice in a liquid state for a longer duration. It means that ice melt will not refreeze as easily or as often, thus preventing the freeze-thaw cycle.

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4- Don’t leave it wet

Sitting water can cause the development of algae and moss on your pavers. Apart from that, we have already discussed how it can seep in and cause freezing and cracking. When the water seeps through cracks, pores, and crevices in the pavers, the real damage happens. It results in the widening of gaps. Covering the cracks with a sealant prevents the moisture from getting in.

This winter, make sure to protect your driveway pavers from potential ice melt damage and pick up some concrete safe, pet safe, children safe, and environmentally friendly ice melt.

Let’s dive into the best practices for winter maintenance of brick pavers, focusing on pet-safe ice melt solutions and methods that won’t harm your outdoor aesthetic.

Pet-Safe Ice Melt Solutions

When the temperatures drop, the safety of your pets and the integrity of your pavers should not be at odds. Opt for pet-safe ice melt products specifically designed to be non-toxic and gentle on your pets’ paws and your pavers. These products usually avoid harsh chemicals like sodium chloride, which can harm both pets and pavers. Instead, they might use ingredients like urea or CMA (calcium magnesium acetate), known for their lower corrosivity.

Ice Melt for Concrete Pavers

Selecting an ice melt for concrete pavers requires a delicate balance. You need something effective yet gentle enough not to damage the pavers. Products labeled as environmentally friendly ice melt for pavers often fulfill this requirement, as they tend to have lower concentrations of harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of paver damage due to chemical reactions.

De-Icer for Brick Pavers

For brick pavers, the approach isn’t much different. A de-icer for brick pavers should be chosen with care to prevent surface flaking and pitting. Look for options that boast being best ice melt for pavers — usually those that do not contain chloride salts.

Brick Paver Ice Removal Techniques

The techniques you use can make a significant difference. Avoid metal tools which can scratch and chip the pavers. Instead, use a plastic shovel or a snow blower to remove the snow. Afterward, apply a pet-safe ice melt in moderation to prevent ice build-up without overexposing your pavers to chemicals.

Protecting Brick Pavers from Winter Damage

Preventative measures can go a long way. Sealing your brick pavers before the winter season can help minimize water absorption and reduce the risk of freeze-thaw damage. Regularly check for drainage issues and rectify them to prevent water accumulation, which can lead to ice formation.

In all, while maintaining the pristine condition of your brick pavers in winter, always prioritize products that are safe for the environment, your pets, and the material of your pavers. Opting for environmentally friendly and pet-safe ice melt solutions will ensure you strike the right balance between efficacy and safety, keeping your winter wonderland pristine and safe for everyone.

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