As temperatures lower during late fall and early winter, they may dip below freezing only to rise again. This freeze/thaw cycle can continue for months and impact the integrity and appearance of your paved surfaces in Sterling Heights, MI. Interlocking pavers are relied upon as one of the best options in areas subjected to these freeze/thaw cycles. Read on to discover a few reasons why.
Flexible Surfaces
When water in the soil freezes, it causes frost heave, expanding and lifting the surface of the earth along with everything on top of it. When frozen water within the soil melts, the ground may sink to fill the space left behind. This is why freeze/thaw cycles cause the earth underlying paved surfaces to move. A rigid surface will not be able to yield to these movements and will crack in resistance. That often happens to poured concrete and asphalt surfaces. However, a system of interlocking pavers bears the flexibility to adapt to changes in the earth without cracking. The numerous joint spaces between interlocking pavers function similarly to the joints in our bodies, allowing the surface to bend and flex slightly.
Ability to Withstand De-icing Chemicals
De-icing chemicals are applied to functional surfaces, like driveways and pavements, to reduce ice build-up and make these surfaces safer for walking and vehicular use. Interlocking concrete pavers are good candidates for cold climates in which these substances may be used. De-icing chemicals can increase the potential for ice within artificial materials and cause damage. For that reason, they should be used with care and never deployed in excessive amounts. However, interlocking concrete pavers are considered more resistant to degradation by de-icing chemicals than asphalt and poured concrete alternatives. The high density of these pavers limits the de-icing chemicals from entering them and affecting their structural integrity.
Related: Top 5 Benefits of Permeable Pavers in Troy, MI
Easy to Repair and Replace
When water in the soil freezes, it causes frost heave, expanding and lifting the surface of the earth along with everything on top of it. When frozen water within the soil melts, the ground may sink to fill the space left behind. This is why freeze/thaw cycles cause the earth underlying paved surfaces to move. A rigid surface will not be able to yield to these movements and will crack in resistance. That often happens to poured concrete and asphalt surfaces. However, a system of interlocking pavers bears the flexibility to adapt to changes in the earth without cracking. The numerous joint spaces between interlocking pavers function similarly to the joints in our bodies, allowing the surface to bend and flex slightly.
Aesthetic Appeal
Let’s face it: In winter, the softscape struggles to offer all the vibrant color and texture it did in the summer and fall. This is when the hardscape truly takes center stage. Even the most well-vegetated landscapes should have a nicely designed and maintained hardscape—not only to match the abundance of the natural landscape but to step in for visual appeal when the climate or disease leaves plants looking their worst. Interlocking pavers can be used to create captivating patterns that add character to a patio or driveway.
The concrete paver industry has also flourished to provide an unbelievable range of paver colors, sizes, shapes, and finishes. Regardless of the home or commercial building for which you are building a driveway or parking lot, you are sure to find an interlocking paver that is the right match for the job.
