As temperatures drop, block-paved driveways face one of their toughest challenges of the year. Frost, ice and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can damage paving blocks, loosen jointing sand and leave unsightly cracks or uneven areas. Fortunately, with the right preparation and maintenance, you can keep your driveway looking great and structurally sound all winter long. In this article, we’ll be explaining why first and ice are a problem for block-paved driveways and how you can protect is accordingly.
When water seeps into the gaps between paving blocks and freezes, it expands by nearly 10%. This expansion forces the block apart, weakens the sub-base and can cause lifting or cracking. Over time, these small issues can lead to uneven surfaces, trip hazards, loose or sunken blocks and weakened foundations. Therefore, preventing water penetration and keeping joints stable is absolutely necessary to avoid the aforementioned problems. But how can you do that effectively? Here’s how you can protect your block-paved driveway from frost and ice this winter.
Block-paved driveways look incredible. They really elevate the kerb appeal of any home for decades to come, with the right maintenance. While maintenance during the spring and summer is easier and needs to be done less frequently, the autumn and winter months can bring copious amounts of dirt, moss and algae, mainly as a result of fallen plant and tree matter, such as leaves. This winter dirt can cause block paving to deteriorate both in its appearance and its integrity. To keep your block-paved driveway looking and performing at its best, there are some things you need to do during the colder months, such as:
Before the depths of winter really kick in, you should give your driveway a deep clean. This includes sweeping it regularly to remove leaves, moss, algae and other debris. You should also jet wash your block paving if grime is particularly stubborn or difficult to remove manually.
The thing you need to keep in mind here is that if you pressure wash block paving, you will need to resand the joints (more on that later). Resanding will stabilise the joints and prevent forst from penetrating. Before resanding, make sure the block paving is completely dry and is resanded before the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius.
Standing water is one of the biggest threats to block paving in the winter. With this in mind, you need to check that surface water drains away properly and doesn’t pool in low spots. You also need to inspect that drain covers and channels are free of leaves and other plant debris, which allows for easier and free-flowing water flow.
Finally, downpipes and gutters need to be discharging effectively directly into the drains and not onto your driveway. If you can see gutters or downpipes leaving onto your driveway, then you need to have those problems fixed by a competent professional so as to protect your driveway from water damage.
If your block paving is clean, then it’s time to reseal. Usually, block paving is sealed after application, for a fee. However, it can be easily done yourself if you’re on more of a budget. Although this block paving sealant will only last for around 2-3 years, and so you’ll need to do it yourself at some point anyway. While you might think that resealing is a pointless task, you’d be mistaken.
Block paving sealant will reduce water absorption, prevent staining and algae growth, protect the colour from UV and strengthen the joints where the sand sits, thus keeping it in place for longer. Not only does sealing block-paved driveways protect its look and integrity, but it also means that you won’t have to resand the joints as often. Only seal the surface if it’s dry and clean, and when temperatures get above 10 degrees Celsius.
Block paving needs to be filled with kiln-dried sand. This is extremely fine sand that’s used to prevent weed growth in between the blocks. It’s also done to stop water ingress. When water seeps in and then freezes, it can blow bricks and even cause cracking. If you want to make sure your block pavingsurvives the winter, you need to ensure all gaps around the blocks are filled.
This can be easily done yourself, using a bag of kiln-dried sand and a soft-bristled brush or broom. You can buy kiln-dried sand from most DIY stores for a small fortune. Not only will this keep weeds at bay come spring, but it will also prevent blown blocks when the water between the bricks begins to freeze and expand and contract with the changing temperatures.
When icy weather hits, you should avoid using traditional rock salt to melt away snow and ice on your block paving. This is because the reaction that happens when salt hits ice or snow will cause damage to the block paving surfaces, and it could even corrode the edges and corners. Avoid using traditional rock salt snow and ice removal solutions.
Alternatively, use magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate if you want something less abrasive. Even then, apply that sparingly and focus on areas of high traffic. Once the weather improves, be sure to remember to rinse off the residue. This will prevent long-term staining and damage.
The last thing you want to do is chip or scratch your block-paved driveway. With this in mind, when it snows or if you have heavy ice formation, refrain from using a metal shovel or spade to remove the snow from your block paving. The metal ends and corners can cause scratching, cracking and chipping.
If you must shovel snow, use a plastic alternative. You’ll be able to buy heavy-duty plastic snow shovels from most hardware stores, DIY shops and even some supermarkets. Keep your eyes peeled over the next few months for some more gentle snow-shovelling alternatives. Never reach for heavy metal shovels when the white stuff begins to fall.
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T&M Grab Hire Services Ltd is pleased to offer driveway installation and drop kerb installation for your absolute convenience. We can offer tarmac, resin, gravel and block-paved driveway installation, to name just a few. When it comes to what our clients want, we will always meet your needs and exceed your expectations with block paved driveways in the East Midlands and throughout the surrounding areas. If you would like further information about our driveway installation services, get in touch with a member of our friendly, professional team today – we’re always happy to hear from you.
