How to Protect Your Hardscape Features from Cold Weather

Winter weather can wreak havoc on your outdoor hardscape features. From cracked pavers to damaged water features, freezing temperatures can pose serious threats to your landscape investments. At Blade Cutters Landscaping, we’ve seen firsthand how intense Indiana winters can be, and we know that proper preparation beforehand can save homeowners from spending a lot of time and money on repairs. Let’s look at ways you can prepare your landscape for the snow and cold to come.

What Happens to Hardscapes in Freezing Weather?

Cold temperatures can create numerous problems for outdoor hardscape features. Understanding these risks helps you take preventive action.

• Freeze-thaw cycles often cause the most damage. Water can seep into small cracks in concrete or between pavers. When temperatures drop, this water expands as it freezes, widening existing cracks or creating new ones. This process can repeat throughout winter, causing progressive damage.
• Shifting and settling occurs when ground moisture freezes and expands beneath hardscape surfaces. This can lead to uneven pavers, sunken walkways, and unstable retaining walls.
• Chemical damage from harsh deicing salts can deteriorate concrete surfaces and harm nearby plants. Poor drainage may compound these problems by allowing water to pool and refreeze repeatedly.

Preparing Your Hardscape for Snow and Ice

Before the temperatures drop, taking time to prepare patios and water features, in particular, can save you costly repairs later on.

Paver Patios and Walkways

Start with a thorough inspection of all paved surfaces. Look for any loose pavers, cracked joints, or areas where water tends to collect that need to be addressed.

Where needed, add fresh sand between paver joints. This simple step provides better stability and allows water to drain properly after snow melts. Well-sanded joints also resist weed growth come spring.

Address any drainage issues before winter arrives. Areas that tend to collect standing water can require new drainage solutions so puddles don’t freeze and cause significant damage. 

Water Features

Drain small water features completely. Even small amounts of remaining water can freeze and crack pumps, pipes, or decorative elements. For portable features like fountains or decorative pots, bring them out of the cold and store them in a protected area. 

In-ground features with flexible liners typically can handle winter better than above-ground installations. However, ponds may require heaters to maintain air exchange for fish.

Protecting Your Investment Year-Round

Winter preparation is just one aspect of hardscape maintenance. Regular seasonal care prevents small problems from becoming expensive repairs. For instance:

• Spring inspections should focus on assessing winter damage and planning necessary repairs.
• Summer maintenance helps keep surfaces clean and properly sealed.
• Fall preparation sets the stage for successful winter protection.

Keep Your Hardscape Beautiful Through Every Season

Protecting hardscape features from winter damage requires attention to detail and the right approach. Following these preparatory steps now can help ensure your outdoor spaces remain beautiful and functional year-round.

Don’t wait until the first freeze warning to start winterizing. If you’re unsure where to start or what your property needs, contact Blade Cutters Landscaping for advice on preparing your hardscaping for the winter. Our experienced team is here to help give you peace of mind throughout the cold season.