Did you know that rain, snow, or other sources of moisture can damage your hardscape? The Winter season is the prime time for your hardscape to take a beating. Check out the rest of our blog to learn what it can do and how you might be able to prevent winter weather damage from occurring.
A variety of materials can be used in a hardscaping project. This includes stones, brick, gravel, or more! Depending on what material is used, moisture will be able to warp it and completely ruin it. If moisture enters your hardscape, the process can lead to cracks, breaks, and less overall structural stability. Similarly, without proper cleaning, moisture can create a nice environment for substance growth, such as mold.
When moisture accumulates in your hardscape and freezes, this can have a bigger impact. If all the cracks and crevices in your hardscape fill with water and freezing occurs, this can push outwards, expanding the material. As the hardscape begins to wear out, this can create an unstable flooring that will break under weight.
To avoid major hardscaping damage, there are a few preemptive measures you can take:
- Fixing Cracks – When cracks are identified, you should use the proper material to fill them in, or cover them up. It’s crucial to limit the amount of water that collects within the hardscape you choose for your property.
- Improve Water Runoff – The more water that collects on your hardscape allows a higher chance of freezing and damage. You can install drainage areas to minimize the amount of water that builds up, allowing it to drain off the sides or into other areas.
- Decrease Weight Load – For seasons or months where you’re not outside, you should remove furniture, decorations, or other items that usually reside on your hardscape. In the case that your hardscape does struggle with water or ice damage, decreasing the total weight will prevent it from breaking entirely.
With our team, we can help provide you with the right materials for your project! Get in touch with us on our contact page, by phone, email, or filling out the form. We can help recommend a contractor as well to help you with your project.