Even though quality pavers are made to last for years, the cold weather season can be tough on them—especially because winter in Colorado means deicing salts. Despite being a marvelous invention of modern science that has prevented countless slips and falls, deicing salts can cause your pavers to corrode and degrade. At Detailed Landscape, we’ve witnessed the slow deterioration of attractive hardscapes due to excessive or improper applications of deicing salts.
So before you start throwing down buckets of salt on your pavers, here are a few ways to help your pavers stay beautiful and functional longer.
Seal your pavers after installation
Sealing your pavers isn’t just about achieving a certain look—it may also provide some protection against deicing salts and lawn chemicals because it inhibits absorption of chemicals in the pavers. Sealers lasts 3–5 years, so make sure you reapply sealers as they wear out.
Mix a little sand in with your salt
Replacing 25% of your deicing salt with sand may be helpful for two reasons: increased visibility and extra traction. Reducing the total use of salt also reduces the potential long-term damage to your pavers.
Don’t over-apply
Following the recommended application for your deicing salt is important. Too little salt and the ice won’t quite melt and too much salt can cause premature damage. Try to apply deicing salts as evenly as possible—extra piles can contribute to corrosion.
Wash pavers in the spring
Salt residue can continue to damage pavers long after the ice is gone. Washing your pavers when the weather begins to warm is a good maintenance habit to adopt.
Remember, a little extra effort in the winter can translate into years of extra life for your pavers. If you need a little help this winter keeping your hardscape in peak condition and attractiveness, call the experts at Detailed Landscape.
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