What are the various damages your hardscaping can get from winter weather?
Winter can be the most beautiful time of the year, between the crisp weather and holidays surrounding us. It’s not always so beautiful, though, for the hardscaping surfaces around your home. Between the frost and frigid temperatures, they can take quite the damage over the next few months as it continues to get cooler. The damage can be very similar or different, depending on the material the surfaces are built out of.
One of the most prominent problems surfaces can face in winter is freezing water on top of and in the wood or concrete. Whenever water gets into the material, making its way down into cracks, it can freeze when the temperatures drop. When water freezes, it expands, which can, in turn, cause more cracking, crumbling, or splitting in the wood and concrete. This issue can happen just on the surface, causing cracks or other issues leading to structural damage!
If extra moisture gets trapped on the surface or consistently sitting on the surface, it also drastically increases the chances of mold or mildew growing on those surfaces. Growth like this can make people sick and cause surface breakdown (especially in the wood) due to rot and make your surfaces extra slick. As time goes on, you’re not only looking at hazards right outside your door but also hitting your wallet, later on, to pay for extensive repairs to your wooden or concrete hardscaping.
How can you prepare your hardscaping?
It doesn’t matter what material it is; all your outdoor surfaces should be cleared off as much as possible, so nothing extra is sitting on top of it. If you have the opportunity to have any of these surfaces power washed before the winter weather truly sets in, it would be very beneficial for their longevity. This precautionary measure can make sure any existing dirt, mildew, or other debris is cleared away and not eaten away at these surfaces over time. Finally, any repairs you may already be aware of should be done before the heavy winter weather, so you don’t have to worry about facing even bigger ones come springtime.
One significant way you can give your fencing, decks, etc., a helping hand is to have them adequately stained and sealed before intense weather comes in. Stains and sealers penetrate deeper into the wood to protect it more from the inside out. At the same time, paints can help coat the top to protect the surface layers. These paints also offer more of a variety of colors but don’t do as well a job independently. Beyond that, one of the best ways to protect the wood is to have any repairs made or broken boards replaced beforehand, as the weather can exacerbate that damage.
Concrete surfaces may require different forms of attention, as it is often at-risk for different issues. Sealing in already existing cracks is a must-do, as those will spread very quickly when the temperatures dip; this goes for any part of your concrete surfaces that need sealing treatments. Another tip many homeowners don’t think about is deicers: we all know that they can be great at melting ice, but they’re also great at ruining parts of your landscape too. If you’ve used them in the recent past, it’s crucial to thoroughly wash off your surfaces and soak the ground around them to wash away any residual particles left over. These deicers, even most rock salts, can erode these surfaces over time (and eat at your grass), wearing them down faster as this happens. If you need to use them, try to search for non-erosion ones that won’t harm your concrete or wood in the long run.
What are some definite don’ts for your hardscaping during the winter?
One of the worst things you can do to your outdoor surfaces during the winter is to move things on top or walk all over them consistently. Heavy foot traffic mixed with inclement weather or freezing temperatures can harm these surfaces over time. As a side tip, making sure your outdoor furniture is cleaned up and out away will save you money later on, too! They don’t get as much use this time of year, and just sitting out can cause mold/mildew growth or other damages to them as well. If you have hardscaping that also uses water (and therefore pipes), you cannot leave them running or leave water in the pipes as this will inevitably lead to cracks and leaks within the pipes.
Do not let your gutters go without getting cleaned out, either! If you choose to wait to clean them out or neglect to have it done, you could be facing significant damage as the weather hits. Also, it’s essential not to put down just any sealants, paints, or crack fillers anywhere without first checking to ensure you’re using the right ones and using them correctly. Using the wrong materials can lead to furthering the damage to your property or cause unnecessary damage to it, to begin with. Finally, it’s important to remember you’re not alone – do not try most of these winterization practices yourself if you don’t have the experience to help you!
How can the lawn professionals help?
Professionals are called just that for a reason; they do this for a living and have all the skills and hands-on experience to get the job done correctly the first time around. They, just like the folks at Year Round Services, also have the materials and equipment needed to accomplish these jobs that not everyone has direct access to. Never hesitate to get help from those near you who are able and ready to provide you with what you need! They can keep your lawn looking clean, neat, and attractive all Year Round!
Find us in Google Maps
