Safe De-icing Solutions for Paving Stones

If you live in the Pacific Northwest or another northern area, it can be a challenge to deal with the excess snow and ice that can come with it. How can you prepare for and care for your hardscape in below-freezing temperatures? The solutions are simple but take some forethought and preparation.

This blog post will discuss a few techniques for removing snow or ice from your pavers without accidentally damaging them.

Snow Shovel

One of the easiest ways to remove snow and ice from your hardscape is with a shovel. However, do not use a metal shovel, as it can scrape up and scratch your paving stones.

If there is an accumulation of ice on your pavers that seems impossible to remove with a plastic snow shovel, you can break up the surface of the ice with a metal shovel. Use a snow shovel to break up the ice and scrape it off to avoid damaging your surface.

Snow Blower

The second way to remove snow and ice from your hardscape is with a snow blower. As with a shovel, you need to be careful to avoid damage to your pavers. We recommend using a snow blower with a rubber guard instead of a metal one to avoid gouges or scrapes on your hardscape.

Liquid or Granule De-icing Material 

Are you looking for a less labor-intensive way to remove snow and ice from your hardscape? Consider using a liquid or granule de-icing material.

The most common de-icing material is sodium chloride. It is usually cost-effective and removes any frozen buildup on your pavers.

However, using sodium chloride can be problematic. If you use it too frequently, it can eventually begin to harm your pavers. The high amount of salt in the product can eat away at your hardscape.

To avoid damaging your pavers, try a sodium-free de-icing product. Although they may be a little more expensive, they will protect your hardscape investment.

Install a Heating Element 

If you are in the planning phase of paver installation and know that they will have a lot of snow and ice build up on them, you can plan ahead by installing a heating element underneath your hardscape. 

One option for heating elements is installing electric mats with wire that will heat up and keep your hardscape slightly above the freezing temperatures around it.

You can also keep your hardscape heated using a boiler attached to some PEX PVC pipe that runs under your hardscape and prevents snow and ice build-up. An electronic sensor helps promote efficiency and makes the installation as cost-effective as possible.

Heating elements can add to the cost of your project—but they are also a great way to prevent the build-up of snow and ice during the long winters.

Check Out More Paver Resources

If you need more resources for paver maintenance or assistance with details like choosing heating elements for pavers you’re currently installing, explore our range of products and resources. We have a free planning guide, installation guides and personalized support services for your paver needs. Click here to get in touch with our experts.