In the production process of pavers, in addition to concrete, aggregates and colourants are also used – the strength of the final product largely depends on the quality of all these components. However, the responsibility for keeping pavers in good condition over the years does not end with the manufacturer’s obligations. It is equally important that owners of domestic gardens, driveways or paths familiarise themselves with the principles of proper paving block maintenance. We have listed the most important ones with the help of experts from Polbruk.
Make sure you take care of this
Water and leaves are a combination we should definitely avoid on our property. If left to accumulate, they can quickly become an ideal breeding ground for unwanted microorganisms. Water itself is not good for pavers either. Why? – When the surface is damp, for example after heavy rainfall, harmless hairline cracks may appear. Although this is a natural part of the cement setting process, garden owners often mistake them for damage. “That is why, whenever possible, excess water should be removed from the paving surface as quickly as possible,” says Kamil Umiński, chief technologist at Polbruk. During frosts, the problem of standing water can turn into a much more serious issue – standing ice. In such cases, it is also worth seeking expert advice.
Sand instead of salt
Sodium chloride, commonly known as rock salt, has a destructive effect on pavers – it can lead to discolouration, stains and water marks. For this reason, it is far better to replace salt with sand or micro-grit, which do not react with the environment and do not damage footwear – a common complaint when winter really sets in.
Only plastic or rubber-edged shovels
The list of a property owner’s responsibilities also includes regularly clearing snow from the area around the house, particularly the entrance and the paths in front of the gate. It is not hard to imagine what might happen if a pickaxe or other sharp-edged tool were used to remove snow or ice. It is no coincidence that snow shovels are rarely made of metal and are often fitted with a hard rubber tip.
Familiarising yourself with the rules for looking after pavers in winter and putting them into practice usually guarantees safety for both the paving and your household. To reinforce this knowledge, we present the following guide, created with the help of specialists from Polbruk.
Rules for keeping surfaces in good condition during winter
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Clear snow from concrete pavers or slabs on an ongoing basis to prevent a layer of compacted snow or ice from forming on the surface.
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Use de-icing agents only when absolutely necessary, following the instructions on the packaging.
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It is best to replace chemical de-icing agents with natural ones, which will roughen icy surfaces. In this regard, we recommend:
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it is best to use the material that was used for jointing the surface, i.e. washed sand 0–2 mm.
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Do not use fine-grained crushed aggregates with sharp edges.
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do not use dusty or soiled materials, e.g. coal combustion waste, etc.
These recommendations are particularly important in the first year after the surface has been laid. It is also worth noting that following these guidelines is recommended for environmental reasons.
Further information on how to care for pavers in winter can be found on the manufacturer’s website Polbruk: https:// polbruk.pl/pl/do-pobrania .
