Landscaping Care

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How to Care for Your Pavers During Winter

The cool weather is here and winter is quickly approaching, which can only mean one thing: snow! This might have you wondering how to properly care for your pavers during the winter months. Although Unilock® products are de-icing salt resistant, caution should be used when applying any de-icing chemicals and excessive use should be avoided.

Below are some frequently asked questions worth reading:

  • Calcium based products
  • Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) is the most popular de-icing salt. It is widely available and it will melt snow and ice at temperatures down to approximately 16° F (-9° C). Below 16° F (-9° C), rock salt stops melting snow and ice. Sodium chloride can damage adjacent grass, plants and metal. Apply with caution and use as sparingly as possible.
  • Avoid magnesium based products as they are very aggressive and may cause damage to the concrete surface.
  • Metal blades on plows can scratch the surface
  • Use a plastic shovel wherever possible
  • Plastic blade protectors are recommended for your snow plows or snow blowers

You can incorporate a snow melt system under your Unilock pavers!

A snow-melt system may be your answer to reduced clearing efforts and improved safety. This is easier of course to do at the time of installation but you can do it after the fact especially if the area is smaller like a walkway or steps. There are two types, electric heating cables or heated glycol tubing.

  • Both electric and the glycol based systems place the tubing or cable in the sand bedding that is directly under the paving stones
  • We do not recommend any more than 1.5 inch depth of sand in which the cable or tube resides
  • Contact floor heating manufacturers for the most appropriate systems for your job.