Concrete blocks and slabs are extremely durable materials for building paths and driveways around the home, requiring minimal maintenance. However, to ensure they retain their appearance for as long as possible, it is best to avoid certain maintenance tasks during the winter.
Winter is the time of year when concrete surfaces are particularly vulnerable to damage. This is due to weather conditions, including significant temperature fluctuations and the resulting frequent thawing and freezing of water. Most often, however, we damage the surface ourselves by using unsuitable methods and tools for snow clearance.
Salt is the number one enemy of surfaces
When the white powder falls, our first instinct is to reach for road salt. This, however, is a big mistake, because whilst it does allow unwanted snow to be melted quickly and cheaply, it can also permanently spoil the appearance of the surface. Road salt is a harsh substance that leaves its mark. There is a high likelihood that white efflorescence will appear on the surfaces of paths and driveways once the salt has dried. And not just there, as it can also damage your shoes or clothing. Road salt is also harmful to plants and pets, so a better – though slightly more expensive – option is to use magnesium chloride. It removes snow and ice without leaving slush behind, whilst being safe for concrete slabs, pavers and our four-legged friends. However, there are other ways to get rid of that unwanted white stuff!
Fitness on your own doorstep
We can also clear snow from the surface using tools. This activity can be treated as a cardio workout, which is beneficial for health. In an hour of snow clearing, we can burn as much as around 500 kcal! If we decide to use this method to tackle the snow, regularity is extremely important. There must not be too thick a layer of snow on the surface. This is very detrimental, as ice may form at the junction between the lower layer of the snow cover and the top concrete paver. Frequent temperature fluctuations around 0°C cause the water to freeze and thaw, which can lead to damage to the structure of the pavers or concrete slabs.
You also need to choose the right tools for mechanical snow clearance. Above all, they should not damage the surface layer. You should therefore avoid metal tools with sharp edges, as these can cause scratches, i.e. damage to the surface layer. Over time, these can deepen and even lead to the pavers or slabs cracking. That is why, when clearing snow, it is recommended to use plastic shovels, which are not only effective but also safe for the surface being cleared.
Take care of this before the first snow
Now that we know how to safely clear snow from a concrete surface so that it looks perfect again in spring, there are two more things to take care of before the snow falls. First and foremost, you should clear the pavers of leaves and dirt, wash them and carry out maintenance. The first of these steps will make snow clearance in winter much easier, as it prevents uncollected and rotting leaves from sticking to the snow. The second, meanwhile, will provide even better protection for the pavers and involves the use of a dedicated impregnating agent. Impregnating agents available on the market not only reduce the surface’s water absorption – which is very important in winter – but also limit its susceptibility to dirt caused by, for example, road salt that we bring in on our shoes from the street. Impregnating pavers is a simple procedure that should be carried out one or two years after they have been laid, provided that there is no efflorescence on the surface. It guarantees protection for three to four years. It is worth adhering to these time intervals, as this will allow us to care for the surfaces of paths, driveways or terraces even more effectively during winter, and consequently enjoy their impeccable appearance for longer!
