During the winter months, it’s easy to overlook the care of outdoor spaces, but keeping your paving in good shape year-round is essential. We’ve already had our share of snow and several days of freezing temperatures here in Bournemouth and the surrounding areas this December, and we’ve still got a few months before the warmth of spring arrives.
To keep your paved areas in great condition, make sure to regularly clean them and sweep away leaves and organic debris. These materials can create the perfect breeding ground for moss and algae and can lead to unsightly stains. If you have fruit or berries falling from nearby trees, it’s important to clear those away as well, and address any stains promptly.
Stains can become more entrenched over time, making them harder to remove. This is especially true for absorbent surfaces like stone and block pavers. Whether its oil, brake fluid, petrol, BBQ grease, or spills from food and drinks, the longer a stain sits, the tougher it becomes to get rid of. If you need help with professional paving cleaning and stain removal, don’t hesitate to reach out to MPowell Cleaning Services.
Sealing Your Paving in Winter
When it comes to sealing your driveway or patio especially during in winter, the simple answer is: NO, you shouldn’t do it during the cold winter months. It’s crucial to avoid sealing in wet or chilly weather because rain and low temperatures can prevent the sealer from properly bonding with the surface. This can lead to unsightly white residue and, worse, it won’t offer the protection your paving needs.
For the best results, three key conditions must be met when applying a paving sealant:
- The paving needs to be completely dry.
- The weather should be clear and dry.
- The temperature should be mild.
While local conditions can vary, the most favourable time for cleaning and sealing driveways and patios in areas like Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Dorset is typically between March and October. This timeframe provides the ideal conditions for the sealer to adhere properly and protect your surfaces effectively.
Should you seal your paving before winter?
Absolutely! A high-quality sealant for your patio or driveway can be incredibly beneficial during the cold, wet, and frosty winter months. It creates a protective waterproof barrier on porous materials, such as Imprinted concrete, Indian Sandstone patios and block paving driveways.
By shielding your paving from excessive water penetration, the sealant prevents water from getting trapped in natural stone or block and brick pavers. This helps avoid the freeze and thaw cycles that can cause damage over time.
Using a good sealant ensures your surfaces stays protected and maintain their integrity throughout the harsh winter weather.
Freeze-Thaw Process on Paving
When water freezes, it expands. This expansion can lead to small cracks forming within stone and concrete blocks as the water inside them expands. When temperatures rise again, the ice thaws and evaporates, but it’s quickly replaced by new water during the next rainfall, repeating the cycle.
These cracks are often not visible to the naked eye since they are internal, but the damage is real and can worsen over time. Eventually, you might see visible cracks on the surface, and by then, you could be looking at replacing individual blocks or slabs.
It’s important to note that water can also seep through any surface damage, holes, or breaks in mortar joints. Therefore, make sure to fill and repair these issues before winter sets in.
Before applying a sealant to your driveway, path, or patio, ensure that the material is suitable for sealing and that you choose the right sealing product. While most paving types can be sealed, there are exceptions:
Porcelain paving and resin-bound surfaces are not suitable for traditional paver sealants.
Porcelain is naturally resistant to water penetration, and resin-bound and bonded surfaces are designed for excellent natural drainage. Water flows through these surfaces and quickly drains away into the soil, so additional sealing is unnecessary.
Paving Maintenance in Winter
It’s important to remove heavy snow from paths, driveways, patios, tennis courts, and other paved areas as soon as possible. Prolonged snow cover combined with freezing temperatures can lead to the formation of a layer of ice beneath the snow. This ice forms a cold, wet layer pressed tightly against the surface, which isn’t ideal for any building materials. They need to be able to breathe and dry out when possible.
When clearing snow, opt for a plastic snow shovel instead of a metal one to prevent scratching or damaging the paving. Be sure to shovel the snow slowly and carefully to maintain the condition of your paving and keep it looking great and structurally sound.
For lighter, flakier snow, a powerful petrol or battery-powered leaf blower can be a useful tool. However, be aware that wet or compacted snow will be more challenging to move with this method.
By following these tips, you’ll help ensure your paving remains in excellent condition throughout the year, whether it’s for residential or commercial use.
Professional Exterior Cleaning and Maintenance Services
At MPowell Cleaning Services, we specialise in exterior cleaning and maintenance across Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Dorset. We offer a range of services to keep your property looking its best, including:
- Driveway and Patio Cleaning, Sealing: We renew your outdoor spaces, ensuring they’re clean and protected.
- Wall, Brick, and Cladding Cleaning: Our team tackles grime and stains to refresh your building’s exterior.
- Render Cleaning: We effectively clean rendered surfaces, enhancing their appearance and longevity.
- Soft Washing: A gentle approach to cleaning delicate surfaces without causing damage.
- Roof Cleaning and Moss Removal: We remove moss and debris from your roof to maintain its condition and prevent damage.
- Gutter Cleaning: We ensure your gutters are free from leaves and debris to prevent blockages and water damage.
- Window Cleaning: Our thorough cleaning will leave your windows sparkling and streak-free.
- Solar Panel Cleaning: We keep your solar panels free of dirt and grime to ensure they operate efficiently.
For more information or to get a free quote, feel free to give us a call at 07443-490533 or reach out via email martinpcleaning@gmail[dot]com
