A paving stone driveway or patio can be an excellent addition to your home. However, in order to maintain your paving stone space as long as possible, you need to ensure you’re taking care of it properly. In the winter, that means protecting it from salt and snow that may cause damage.
Paving stones are durable, but they still need the proper attention. While we’re in the middle of the cold, winter months, let’s take a look at how you can take care of your paving stones during this season.
How to Care for Your Paving Stones
Properly removing snow and ice from your paving stone driveway or patio can keep the stones looking beautiful longer. In order to reduce the damage done to your stones during snow removal, always use a plastic shovel or place a plastic blade protector on your snow plow or snow blower.
Using a metal blade may scratch the surface of your paving stones. These small dings can build up over time, causing an unsightly appearance to your new driveway or patio.
When applying salt, always use rock salt or calcium-based products. Stay away from magnesium based products, as they are more aggressive than their calcium-based counterparts. Magnesium may eat away at the concrete stones, causing damage that can be difficult to repair.
If your driveway or patio frequently ices over, you can include a heating system right within your paving stones. This can remove your ice or snow without causing any damage. However, you’ll want to set this up during installation.
Maintaining Your Paving Stone Space
It’s always important you’re taking the right steps to maintain your paving stone space. Taking the extra few steps to properly remove snow and ice can maintain the appearance of your driveway or patio for years to come.
If you have any additional questions about how to care for your paving stone space during the winter or you’d like to set up a paving stone space of your own, contact us at Island Block & Masonry Supply. Give us a call at 631.443.4521 to begin talking about your next project.
