The Freeze-Thaw Cycle is Wrecking Your Hardscape – Here’s What to Do About It

Spring Is Approaching, And Your Hardscape Is Feeling It

Spring is coming, and while you’re dreaming of patio season, your driveway and walkways are dealing with something less exciting: freeze-thaw stress. You know, that lovely cycle where winter plays ping-pong with your pavers—freezing, expanding, thawing, and repeating—until cracks start showing up like uninvited guests at a party.

Before you write off those cracks and shifting pavers as “character,” let’s talk about how you can fix them before they turn into a real problem.

What Is Freeze-Thaw Damage?

In simple terms, water gets into tiny cracks, freezes, expands, then melts—over and over until those tiny cracks become major issues. This process can lead to:

• Paver Shifting: That perfectly aligned patio you installed last summer? Now it looks like a game of Tetris gone wrong.

• Cracks & Erosion: Paving stones and concrete surfaces weaken, making them prone to breakage.

• Drainage Problems: Water pools where it shouldn’t, making spring mud season even worse.

How to Prevent and Fix Freeze-Thaw Damage

Good news—you don’t have to tear everything up and start over. Here’s how we can handle it:

1. Re-Level & Reset Pavers – If you see uneven areas, they might need a quick reset with proper base compaction.

2. Fill & Seal Cracks – Small cracks can be filled before they turn into major potholes.

3. Improve Drainage – If water is pooling, it needs somewhere to go. Proper grading and drainage solutions help prevent future damage.

4. Consider Heated Driveways & Walkways – Stop freeze-thaw damage before it starts by eliminating ice buildup altogether.

Think Long-Term: Invest in Quality Installation

Not all paver installations are created equal. If your patio, walkway, or driveway wasn’t built with the right base and materials, you’re going to notice once winter is over. That’s why working with professionals (like CMCi—wink, wink) can save you a headache when the snow melts.

Spring Is Here—Time to Fix What Winter Left Behind

Don’t let winter’s leftovers ruin your outdoor space. Now’s the perfect time to inspect, repair, and prevent freeze-thaw damage before it gets worse.

Need expert advice? Schedule a spring maintenance consultation with CMCi to get your pavers and hardscaping back in shape before summer.