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How to Protect Your Patio, Walkway, or Driveway Before Winter

As fall arrives in Kingston and the leaves start to turn, now’s the ideal time to prepare your paver patio, driveway, or walkway for the cold months ahead. Regular seasonal care not only keeps your outdoor spaces looking great — it also helps prevent costly repairs from frost damage, shifting, or staining.

These fall maintenance tips will help you protect your investment and ensure your hardscape stays strong and beautiful for years to come.

1. Sweep and Clean Your Pavers 

Keep your patio or driveway pavers free of leaves, dirt, and organic debris. When wet leaves sit on pavers, they can cause discoloration or mold buildup. 

Use a broom or leaf blower weekly, and for a deeper clean:

  • Mix mild dish soap with warm water and scrub gently using a plastic bristle brush.
  • Rinse lightly — avoid directing a high-pressure washer at the joints, as this can wash out joint sand.
  • If you use a pressure washer, keep the nozzle at a 30-degree angle and maintain a safe distance.
Tip: Avoid wire brushes or harsh cleaners — they can scratch or fade your paver surface.

 

2. Remove Weeds and Refresh Joint Sand 

Weeds can grow between pavers when joint sand becomes loose. Pull any growth from the roots, then top up the joints with polymeric sand — a specialized product that hardens when activated with water to help lock pavers in place and block out weeds and insects. 

After brushing in the sand:

  • Mist it lightly with water to activate the binder.
  • Allow it to set and cure before exposing the surface to rain or traffic.
This simple step keeps your pavers tight and stable through the freeze-thaw cycles of a Kingston winter.


3. Move Heavy Furniture and Prevent Stains 

Before snow and ice arrive, relocate or lift heavy items like patio furniture, grills, and planters. Moisture can collect beneath these items, leaving rust stains or marks on your concrete pavers. Use rubber pads or furniture risers to prevent direct contact and protect the surface finish.


4. Inspect and Repair Pavers Early 

Walk your patio or driveway and look for:

  • Shifted or uneven pavers (a sign of base movement)
  • Cracks or chips
  • Loose edge restraints

Small fixes now can prevent larger problems later. One of the benefits of interlocking pavers is that individual units can be lifted and replaced easily — no need to redo the whole surface. 

 

5. Consider Sealing Your Pavers (Optional but Beneficial) 

While not required for structural integrity, sealing pavers can enhance color, resist stains, and make future cleaning easier.

If you decide to apply a sealer: 

  • Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry for at least 24–48 hours.
  • Apply on a clear, dry day with no rain in the forecast.
  • Allow the sealer to cure for 48 hours before walking or driving on it.
  • Reapply every 3–5 years as needed.
Note: If your pavers feature a pre-sealer, they already have a factory-applied protective coating — no sealer required.
 
 

6. Prepare Your Pavers for Winter Weather 

Kingston winters can be harsh, but a little prep goes a long way:

  • Clear gutters and drainage channels so melting snow can drain freely.
  • Use plastic or rubber-edged shovels to prevent surface scratches.
  • Avoid magnesium-based de-icers. Opt for calcium chloride or sodium chloride products in moderation — they’re safer for concrete pavers and joint sand.

Protect Your Investment This Fall

Your outdoor patio or driveway is one of the most valuable features of your home. A few hours of fall maintenance will keep it strong, clean, and ready to handle everything a Kingston winter throws its way.

At Planes Precast Concrete, we carry everything you need for paver care — including polymeric sand, cleaners, and sealers. Our team is happy to help you choose the right products for your project.

Visit us in Kingston or contact us for advice on maintaining your Unilock pavers this fall!