Autumn in New England brings a kaleidoscope of colors with foliage that transforms our landscape into a wonderland of orange, red and gold. Too soon the bright colors of fall fade as the days grow shorter and the chill in the air reminds us of what is to come. It is a period of transition that signals the cold temperatures of a long, cold winter ahead. To property owners and building maintenance departments it means preparing for snow, ice and freezing rain that turns pavements and walkways into slick, hazardous passages.
Interlocking concrete pavements provide a flexible and durable system that performs successfully under the most demanding applications, circumstances and climate. One of the most extreme conditions is exposure to deicing chemicals. Let's take a look at best practices for keeping your concrete and brick pavements safe while minimizing the effects of deicing chemicals.
The key is to use only as much as needed to do the job. Limit deicers by combining them with a traction aid such as sand. Sand is visible and can be felt underfoot as a tangible medium aiding foot traffic.
Do not over apply deicing chemicals - follow the recommended dosage. Avoid using deicers in place of snow removal. Instead reserve them for melting ice formed by freezing precipitation and snow melt that re-freezes as temperatures drop. Once loosened, snow and ice should be promptly removed by plow or shovel to avoid a buildup in concentration of the deicing chemical. Concrete pavers are snow plow safe so bring out the shovels, snow blowers and plows!
When using magnesium-based products thoroughly rinse the pavement with water in the spring; these types of deicers can continue a produce a chemical reaction that can adversely affect concrete throughout the year. Be sure to protect vegetation and metal from contact with deicing chemicals as many can impair vegetation and corrode metals.
If your pavement is comprised of interlocking concrete pavers consider a polymeric sand binder or a sealer that minimizes water penetration into the pavers. This will also help keep salts from entering and accumulating in the jointing and bedding sand.
Larry Nicolai is the sr. vice president at Ideal Concrete Block Company/Pavers, Westford, Mass.