Although paving stone patios requires very little maintenance, you still need to prepare them to ensure they make it through the winter unscathed. Follow these five easy steps to have a beautiful interlocking stone patio come spring.

1- Prevent accumulation of standing water to reduce ice formation

You should direct water from downspouts to prevent accumulation on interlocking stone patios. You can use a rain gutter downspout extension. This will reduce ice patch formation, making concrete blocks less slippery and safer.

2- Remove heavy objects from paving stone

Owing to the expansion effect caused by ground freezing and thawing, patios tend to rise and fall. Removing heavy objects such as garden furniture and parasol bases will de-emphasize any patio deformation.

Credits: Aménagements ERB Concept

3- Add stabilizing sand between stones

The joints between paving stones can sometimes crack and the stabilizing sand can become compressed. Adding concrete sand in late fall reduces the amount of ice formed between stones and prevents weeds the following summer.

4- Trim any bushes near the paving stone patio

Fall is the perfect season to trim bushes that start to overrun your patio. The shade created by their branches promotes moss growth, while clumps of bushes often make parts of the patio unusable.

5- Remove snow with some care

If you have to remove excess snow from your patio or stone-paved entranceway, it is important to use a plastic shovel without a metal blade to avoid damaging the concrete. Snow blowers are not recommended, as the chains and metal parts can scratch the stone and create rust. Use salt and other snow melting solutions sparingly as they can corrode paving stones. Some ice removers are gentler on concrete surfaces.

Your patio will remain safe and beautiful for a long time if you follow these steps.