Concrete paving stones is a hard-wearing and low-maintenance material, but snow in winter can make our paving not fully resistant to the elements.
Following the manufacturer's recommendations will not only help protect the concrete pavement from damage and aesthetic defects, but will also ensure the safety and comfort of the paths around the house in winter.
Snow on paving stones before removal itself
Snow left on paving stones It is easy for it to clump and freeze, which is why it is a good idea to carry out regular snow clearing.
Removal of snow from paving stones However, it must take into account the specific characteristics of the pavement and paving stones has its own requirements in this respect. Traditional methods of snow clearing involve mechanically removing the snow from the covered area, so if you have a petrol or electric snowblower, the problem solves itself.
Mechanical snow clearing machines support human labour without the risk of disturbing the ground. However, most of us use simple tools and the strength of our own hands when clearing snow from paving stones. When removing snow from concrete pavements, the main thing to remember is not to use metal tools.
Errors in paving care
Their use can lead to scratches and chipping. Any metal equipment is therefore better replaced by plastic, which does not cause damage .
For snow clearing, we can also use commercially available preparations designed to dissolve snow, which are also safe for paving and additionally eliminate the formation of slush.
It is also worth considering the laying of automatically controlled special heating mats or cables under the pavement. The use of the thermal method will relieve us of the responsibility for clearing snow and guarantee the safety of the pavement, as well as ourselves, even when the entire area is covered with a thick layer of snow.
De-icing of paving stones
If, however, the snow makes the paving icy, it is important to know how to deal with this in order to avoid damaging the paving, such as spreading salt or chipping ice.
So what can you do to make your paving look as striking as it did last season?
The safe, ecological and still cheapest solution still remains sand i microgres (It has sharper edges than sand and gives better grip). They will certainly not harm the pavement. They are also the cheapest solution. Especially as the sand or micro-aggregate can be swept up in spring and reused the following winter.
Other possibilities
An alternative to sand and micro-grass is so-called magnesium hexahydrate, which not only does not cause damage to concrete pavements, but is also much more efficient and, importantly, safe for human and animal health.
It is a natural product that, when spread on a snowy or icy surface, generates heat that effectively melts the snow and ice that is unnecessary in your garden. This remedy can easily be purchased in most chemical shops.
Safe methods - proven methods
In addition to magnesium chloride, calcium chloride is also considered a safe de-icing agent for paving stones. Although considerably more expensive than traditional road salt, it is nevertheless several times more effective and its effect is maintained at temperatures down to -30°C.
Snowy landscapes make winter an extremely charming time of year, but also a real test for paved surfaces. However, if we protect it in autumn and prepare it for the arrival of frost and take care of proper snow removal during winter, it will greet us in spring with an unchanged aesthetic appearance, which will be a real ornament of every garden.
Read also: Opt for minimalism - new collections of Superbruk paving blocks
Most popular questions and answers
How often should paving stones be cleared of snow in winter?
Regular snow clearing is key to avoid snow clumping and freezing, making it easier to remove and preventing damage to the pavement.
Can metal tools be used to clear snow from paving stones?
No, metal tools should be avoided, which can cause scratches and chips. Instead, plastic tools are recommended.
What are safe methods of de-icing paving?
Safe methods are the use of sand, microgres, magnesium chloride hexahydrate or calcium chloride. These agents do not damage the pavement and are safe for health.
Is it safe to spread salt on paving stones?
No, spreading salt or shoveling ice from paving stones is not recommended, as this can damage the surface.
How do you protect paving stones from winter?
Winter protection of paving includes the use of safe de-icing methods and proper preparation of the surface in autumn to ensure that it is protected from frost and lingering snow.