Although we are increasingly less likely to experience sharp drops in temperature and heavy snowfall, surfaces made of concrete blocks or slabs are still exposed to adverse weather conditions. In particular, large temperature fluctuations, as well as the alternating freezing and thawing of snow or ice, are dangerous for them. Incompetent snow clearance and maintenance – in other words, our own actions – can also pose a significant threat to the condition of the surface during the winter...
Forget about salt
Usually, when winter catches us by surprise and the pavements around our home are covered in snow, we reach for salt. The fact is, it is the most readily available and effective way to quickly get rid of unwanted winter snow. However, we must remember that its use can lead to an unwanted surprise: white discolouration on the surface. “Above all, this has a negative impact on the appearance of the footpaths and roads around our home. Salt stains usually appear once the surface has dried, so a better approach is to use less aggressive agents that do not leave them behind,” says Krzysztof Wilk, Chief Technologist at Polbruk S.A. A better, though slightly more expensive, solution is to use magnesium chloride. It removes snow and ice without leaving slush behind. It poses no threat to plants or animals. By using it, we can also say goodbye to white streaks on our winter boots.
Act quickly and skilfully
When winter strikes, it is extremely important to clear snow regularly. Snow is particularly harmful to surfaces made of concrete slabs and pavers if it remains on them for too long. We often clear snow by sprinkling it with sand to reduce slipperiness on the surface. However, this is not a good solution. Ice can form at the junction between the bottom layer of the snow cover and the top layer of the concrete paving. Frequent temperature fluctuations around 0°C cause the water to freeze and thaw, which can lead to damage to the structure of the concrete paving, despite its excellent technical properties.
So let’s remember to ensure that snow and ice do not remain on the surface for too long. An alternative solution for removing it, apart from magnesium chloride, is to use tools. The catch is that they must be chosen carefully. Above all, they should not damage the top layer of the paving. – Let’s avoid metal tools with sharp tips and try to use those made of materials that ensure effectiveness and safety of use – advises Krzysztof Wilk from Polbruk. A scratch caused by a tool with a sharp tip damages the top layer of the paver or slab, which protects the interior of the building material. Over time, this can lead to further degradation of the material, and even cracking.
There is another important aspect. It concerns the choice of materials for garden paving. They must be highly frost-resistant and have low water absorption (a low degree of water uptake). These are the most important parameters in terms of the resistance of concrete pavers and slabs to winter weather conditions.
Although concrete pavers and slabs are very durable materials that make the paths and walkways around the house look beautiful, it is extremely important to remember how to maintain them during the winter. This will help extend their lifespan and maintain their aesthetic appeal for many years to come.
