Following the manufacturer’s recommendations will not only help protect the concrete surface from damage and aesthetic flaws, but will also ensure your safety and comfort when walking along the paths around your home in winter.
Step 1 – cleaning
Regular sweeping and removal of sand and everyday dirt are certainly among the basic and absolutely essential maintenance tasks for pavers. These activities should be carried out throughout the year, regardless of the weather outside. In winter, however – depending on the conditions – the broom used to remove sand and other debris is often replaced by a snow shovel. And that’s when the real fun begins!
Step 2 – snow clearance
– When clearing snow from concrete surfaces, it is important to remember above all that pavers should not come into contact with metal tools. Using them can lead to scratches and chips. It is therefore better to replace any metal equipment with plastic alternatives that do not cause damage – advises Karol Umiński, chief technologist at Polbruk
. – For snow clearance, we can also use commercially available snow-melting agents, which are safe for pavers and also prevent slush from forming. It is also worth considering the installation of special automatically controlled heating mats or cables beneath the surface. “Using a thermal method will relieve us of the need to clear snow and will ensure safety for both the pavers and us, even when the whole area is covered in a thick layer of snow,” explains Karol Umiński. It is particularly worth installing such systems near entrance steps to prevent slipping.
Step 3 – de-icing
High-quality pavers, i.e. those meeting the requirements of the highest weather resistance class specified in the standard – Class D – are resistant to freezing and thawing in the presence of de-icing agents. However, even these stones are not suited to the regular and intensive use of rock salt (NaCl) for this purpose. Over time, under the influence of this substance, the pavers may become discoloured, and the entire layout may lose its appeal. Consequently, manufacturers recommend using salt only in the quantities strictly necessary, and advise against it entirely during the first days of winter and in the initial winter period following the laying of the pavers. – Other substances are ideal for de-icing, such as magnesium chloride, which is safe for both the pavers and the environment. This product can be easily purchased in most chemists – explains Karol Umiński, an expert at Polbruk
. Without proper cleaning, snow clearance and de-icing, a paver surface can suffer unnecessary damage during the winter. A surface prepared in accordance with the advice given above will, however, serve the household – ensuring their safety and comfort. And the pavers, after the winter, will look just as good as they did before the frosts set in.
