Dealing with Snow & Ice Removal from Your Hardscaped Areas

While no one can deny that the first snowfall of the season is somehow always magical, the reality of icy sidewalks, snow-covered driveways and slippery roadways will hit. When it comes to dealing with ice and snow removal, patio and driveway pavers are relatively easy to care for and actually withstand winter weather better than poured cement or concrete. Because pavers are installed “independent” of one another and have narrow joints between them, they are able to tolerate repeated freeze/thaw cycles much better. This small gap allows the pavers to flex to adjust to the temporary frost heave.
Additionally, pavers have a greater resistance to deicing products. This is due in part to their high cement content, strength, density and low absorption rate. In fact, the chamfered edges and joints between the pavers actually promote surface drainage of melting of snow and ice. Your pavers can be plowed and shoveled just like an asphalt or concrete sidewalk or driveway, but to ensure they maintain their beauty, follow these recommended tips:
•     If it’s a light, dry snow, a gas powered leaf blower gets the job done with no chance of damage.
•     In order to prevent scratching the pavers’ surface, only use shovels with plastic blades or rubber tipped edges.
•     If you are plowing, a rubber edge on the blade is recommended.
•     Do not use chains on snow blower or plow tires.
•     Calcium chloride will remove snow and ice and is less harmful when melting snow and ice. Products that use Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) such as Fusion Melt are considered to be the most effective and least harmful deicers to use on paving stone.
•     Once your driveway or sidewalk is free from ice, it is recommended that you sweep the entire surface to remove the ice-melting product.
For more information or help with your project, give Action Supply a call at (609)-390-0663. Our staff wants to help you! Visit our website www.actionsupplynj.com or our Facebook page facebook/actionsupply for other great ideas.