How To Care For Your Interlock During Winter

Interlock driveways, patios, and walkways are an appealing feature that can rejuvenate a boring property. Interlocking is far more intricate than a standard asphalt or concrete driveway, requiring hours of planning, labour, and careful execution to ensure its longevity. The life of an interlock driveway is largely dependent on the way it was built and the conditions it must endure. During the summertime interlock protection is not necessary, but when winter arrives it’s a different story. The harsh temperatures, corrosive salt, constant freezing & thawing, and ice can all cause permanent damage to your expensive interlocking. In order to keep your landscaping looking sharp, you may want to consider interlock protection. There are a variety of ways you can care for your interlock during the winter. Here’s what we recommend:

Power Washing

The first measure you should take for interlock protection involves a trip to the garage for the power washer. Before winter arrives, power wash your hardscaping to clear out any weeds, dirt, or debris that got caught between the cracks. This prevents your interlock from unnatural warping during winter’s harsh cycles of freezing and thawing.

Fill with Sand + Spray

Once you’ve power washed your interlocking, it’s time to make sure the debris didn’t cause any damage. For guaranteed interlock protection, fill the cracks with polymeric sand and make sure it’s swept into all of the grooves. Once it’s evenly distributed, lightly spray your interlock with water to let the sand set.

Avoid Using Salt

Salt is a constant threat during the winter time, and avoiding it can be a key to interlock protection. While beneficial, salt and ice melters can be harsh, often causing corrosive and abrasive effects on interlock. Avoid any forms of salt or ice melters on your interlock, but don’t fret about the few pieces that get tracked in on your tires.

Edge Repair

After a harsh winter, you may want to consider doing some repairs to your interlock to ensure they last for seasons to come. Lift and re-lays are common in more serious situations, but usually a simple edge repair is more than enough for effective interlock protection. You can look online to find out how to do these projects yourself, but it’s often worth hiring a professional for the job.

Seal Your Interlock

Professional interlock seals are by far our most important interlock protection measure. While we certainly encourage routine power washing, polymeric sand, and repairs, sealing your interlock is the best way to ensure it looks good as new when spring rolls around. Contact Seal Tech for your local interlock protection and sealing needs.