Winter is here and it’s brought with it some erratic weather! Here in Halsall we’ve seen snow, ice and hail in the past couple of weeks and we have a long few weeks ahead until Spring. A bit of snow that melts away isn’t too much of an issue, but when it sticks and turns into ice it can cause problems for driveways and gardens that contain paving. Here’s a list of tips to help protect your outdoor space from the elements:
- Use Sand On Snowy & Icy Surfaces
Sand is a great alternative to de-icers and salt when dealing with snow and ice. Although sand doesn’t cause the snow or ice to melt, it does provide a good amount of grip and traction, and better still it won’t cause any cosmetic or structural damage to your paving. Using salt can cause some discolouration and many de-icers contain strong chemicals which can also cause discolouration as well as cracks.
- Invest in durable paving
Always consider the weatherproofing qualities of paving before you invest in it. Porcelain paving is a good option if you’re worries about how the weather will affect it, as it is known for being durable, moisture-resistant and low-maintenance.
- Use a plastic snow shovel
To prevent damage to your patio or driveway, use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one when clearing snow. When using a metal shovel, you may accidentally scratch your paving, whereas a plastic show shovel is too light to cause any damage.
- Seal cracks or gaps
It’s a good idea to fill any cracks and gaps with a paving sealer before snow or ice sets in. Although they’re usually nothing to worry about, if water gets into cracks and freezes it can cause further damage, such as potholes.