Winter’s Weight on Your Hardscape – How Snow and Ice Affect Your Outdoor Spaces

Winter in Collingwood might be postcard-perfect, but let’s not kid ourselves—our hardscaping doesn’t enjoy it nearly as much as we do. Between the piles of snow, freezing temperatures, and ice-melting salts, your outdoor spaces take a beating this time of year. Let’s talk about what’s happening to your hardscaping under that blanket of snow.

The Freeze-Thaw Dance

Snow melts during sunny afternoons and refreezes at night, creating a cycle of expansion and contraction. Over time, this can cause pavers and stones to shift or crack. Your carefully installed custom patio or walkway might be quietly groaning under the pressure—don’t let it turn into a springtime stress!

Salt: A Blessing and a Curse

While rock salt is great for keeping ice at bay, it’s not so great for your hardscape materials. It can eat away at natural stone, concrete, and even some types of pavers, leaving behind unsightly damage. Instead, try sand for traction or use de-icers designed specifically for stone surfaces.

Snow Load and Stress

Excessive snow buildup can put undue stress on retaining walls, driveways, and patios. A quick shoveling session after heavy snowfall can save you from headaches down the road.

Concerned about your hardscaping this winter? Contact CMCi for expert hardscaping services in Collingwood, Blue Mountains, Thornbury and surrounding areas to keep your outdoor spaces looking great year-round!