If you reside in the Northeast anywhere in the tri-state area you were likely slammed with at least several inches (or feet) of snow this past week thanks to winter storm Juno. The experts here at Island Block & Masonry Supply on Long Island, New York receive a lot of questions on the maintenance required to properly care for their paver driveways, pathways and patios during the nasty winter weather.
If you make the investment to have hardscaping of some type installed on your property, it only makes sense that you would be concerned about protecting that investment.
Here are some paver driveway care tips for surviving winter in the tri-state area.
We offer Cambridge paving stones at Island Block & Masonry Supply, and if you have purchased any of Cambridge’s stellar products, you likely know that Cambridge pavers are made with ArmorTec. This provides a sealant of sorts that protects Cambridge pavers from the inside out rather than simply coating the exterior. This means Cambridge pavers won’t absorb any water, which makes them resistant to weather damage and normal wear-and-tear.
ArmorTec’s durability is unmatched- you will see no damage from salting and plowing, which is crucial for those who live in the tri-state area because the harsh winters and frequent snowfall make salting and plowing a necessary evil during the colder months.
It’s for this reason that pavers are “better” than concrete. The smooth surface of poured concrete make may snow removal seem easy, but cracking and overall deterioration will likely develop over time due to the freeze/thaw conditions and the repeated use of de-icing salts.
Concrete and asphalt can develop cracks and hollow areas, and the repairs aren’t cheap. The damage causes the surface to have uneven spots, which poses a safety risk for everyone who walks on the driveway. Pavers- individual concrete bricks- are denser, which makes them much more durable than concrete slabs. Concrete has no flex, or give, which makes it more likely to crack due to changes in the weather. As the freezing winter turns into spring, pavers will flex with the freeze and thaw, allowing the driveway to “give” in order to recover from the freeze.
Have a question about caring for your paving stone driveway in the winter? Give us a call at 631-443-4521, contact us via this online form or visit our Long Island, NY showroom.
