Winter's arrival can bring about harsh weather conditions, making it challenging to maintain your outdoor patio. Snow and ice can accumulate on the surface, creating a potential hazard for anyone who happens to be out of the garden.
With the right approach, you can clear these wintry conditions without causing any damage to your Indian sandstone paving. However, it’s essential to know the proper techniques to clear snow and ice from your patio to ensure you don't damage your beautiful paving slabs. So, here are our top tips and tricks to help you maintain your patio during the colder months!
Take preventative measures
Sealing your Indian sandstone is the best way to keep your paving protected. The sealant creates a barrier that protects the stone from moisture, snow, and ice. This barrier reduces the risk of water seeping into the stone and causing damage due to freezing and thawing. It also makes it easier to clean the sandstone by minimising the chances of stains. So it's well worth getting done if you have a few days and some spare time on your hands!
Keep up with regular maintenance
Frequent snowfall and icy conditions can lead to snow and ice buildup on your patio, which can cause damage to its surface. To prevent this, regularly clear any snow and ice accumulating on your patio. Not only does this minimise the need for aggressive cleaning, but it also reduces the risk of damage and prolongs the lifespan of your patio. Additionally, if you live in an area that receives heavy snowfall, you may want to consider investing in a snowblower or hiring a professional snow removal service.
Avoid chemical deicers (especially rock salt)
Avoid chemical de-icers, particularly those containing salt or corrosive elements, especially rock salt. Rock salt can be incredibly damaging to natural stone, mostly because it degrades mortar, causing it to weaken and the slabs to become loose. Not only that, but it also causes discolouration, damages surrounding vegetation, and stains the surfaces, leaving a speckled appearance. Steer well clear, as tempting as it might be!
When in doubt, always opt for gentle manual removal
When clearing snow and ice from your Indian sandstone paving, it's important to use gentle methods to avoid damaging the surface of your stones. Instead of using tools with metal components, use plastic shovels or soft-bristled brushes to manually clear the surface. Metal tools can scratch or chip the patio, so it’s best to avoid using them. You can ensure that your patio stays in top condition for many years by choosing gentle methods.
If you’d like any more information or tips on keeping your paving perfect throughout winter, then don’t hesitate to get in touch! Bridge Street Stone, offers a wide range of Indian sandstone paving in various shades and colours, such as Kota Black, Kandla Grey, Raj Green, and Golden Leaf. If you'd like further advice or have questions about maintaining your patio, our team can assist you. Get in touch by calling us on 01282 860571! We'll be more than happy to assist you!