The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Hardscapes

Protecting your hardscaping during the winter can preserve its beauty and value.

As some of you may already know, Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features was originally founded in Pennsylvania. Up there, winters meant snow, ice, and frigid cold for months on end. In fact, we even provided snow plow services to homeowners and business owners in the NEPA region.

Now that we’re headquartered in Rock Hill, SC, we’re loving the temperate climate, and although we’re not quite officially in winter just yet, our team is enjoying the fact that we can get outside and continue serving customers with hardscaping and landscape design solutions.

Just Because There’s No Snow Doesn’t Mean You’re in the Clear

Of course, even though the winters in the Rock Hill region are mild compared to up north, this doesn’t mean it’s time to slack off when it comes to caring for your hardscaping. Walkways, driveways, paver patios, retaining walls, and fire pits all need love during the winter, even if we don’t see as much snow and ice in the Carolinas.

In this guide, we want to share some tips for winterizing your hardscapes in Rock Hill to protect and preserve your investment. It’s never too late to take steps to protect your hardscaping, and we also want you to know that our team is here to serve you no matter the season.

Below are several tips for how to winterize your hardscapes this winter in Rock Hill, SC:

Pine needles, leaves, and other debris can be a threat to your hardscaping during the winter

Keep Hardscapes Clean to Preserve Surfaces Through the Winter

No matter where you live, it’s important to clean your hardscapes often to preserve them. This applies during winter, but we recommend creating a cleaning schedule or allowing our experts to provide maintenance throughout the year.

In general, remove debris from your hardscapes by brushing or using a leaf blower. During the winter, you may still have dead leaves or pine needles around from fall. These can be slip and trip hazards that can result in accidents and injuries, so it’s a good idea to be mindful of walkways and patio areas when cleaning.

In the Carolinas, one of the biggest concerns with hardscapes is mold growth. Because the winters don’t get as cold, the potential for mold and mildew is greater in the Rock Hill area. Pressure washing can keep these threats at bay, and our hardscaping experts will be happy to take care of this step for you.

Consider Sealing Your Hardscaping

We’re well-versed in the use of hardscaping sealants, and while they may not be as vital in the Carolinas, it may still be a good idea to protect your hardscaping by sealing it. We recommend taking this step before winter arrives, but you may still be able to protect your walkways, patios, and driveways during the winter by having sealants applied.

Below are some considerations for different hardscaping surfaces if you choose to seal them:

If you use sealants on concrete pavers, look for products designed specifically for this material.

Concrete

Concrete has the potential for developing cracks when we have back-and-forth cold/warm weather in the Rock Hill area. Sealants add a layer of protection against this and can provide peace of mind. If you choose to seal your own hardscaping, look for sealants specifically designed to be used with concrete. This can also fight against mold and algae growth on your concrete.

Brick and Pavers

Sealant products for brick and pavers need to be considered carefully. There are different types of sealant products out there, but there are also different types of pavers. Using the wrong sealant on the wrong paver can result in damage to the paver’s surface and improper protection. If you have any questions about what to use, contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features. We’ll be happy to provide guidance.

Natural stone needs to breathe, so use the appropriate sealant for wintertime protection.

Preserve the Luster of Natural Stone

When it comes to sealing natural stone, you want to use a sealant product that is breathable. Unlike manufactured pavers, natural stone needs a flow of oxygen and some moisture to remain beautiful and durable. Applying a breathable sealant also allows your natural stone to retain its color and aesthetics while preserving and protecting it.

Don’t Forget Wooden Elements

If you have any wooden elements incorporated into your hardscaping, make sure to consider these surfaces as well. Wood stains and sealers can add a much-needed layer of protection to areas like decks, porches, railings, and seating. Applying a sealant also keeps out moisture and protects against damage from freezing and thawing ice.

Protecting your walkways with salt is one way to stay safe

How to Tackle Icy Conditions

While snow might not be as big of a threat to your hardscaping in the Rock Hill area, we still deal with ice. Now only does ice lock in the cold when it settles on hardscape surfaces, but it can also be a moisture hazard. Of course, ice is also a slip-and-fall hazard, particularly on walkable surfaces like walkways, driveways, and patios.

Below are some tips to protect your hardscaping and keep your loved ones safe during the winter:

Using a Deicer

Deicer products may be a good idea depending on the location of your hardscaping. For most homes in the Rock Hill area, ice doesn’t hang around long enough during the winter for regular deicing to be a factor. In other areas of the country, salting walkways may be a regular thing, but in much of the Carolinas, this isn’t as big of an issue.

With that said, it’s never a bad idea to consider having some deicer on hand. You can also keep a bag of walkway salt in your garage or shed, just in case. We always want our customers to be careful and safe.

The Use of Shovels

In the northeast, snow shovels are a common thing. Down in the Rock Hill area, we don’t think we’ve seen a single snow shovel yet. That doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t be prepared. Even if you don’t need a snow shovel, having tools available to clear away the occasional snow flurry isn’t a bad idea.

If you use a shovel or similar tool on your hardscaping, do so with caution. Plastic shovels work best for these kinds of things since they have less of a chance of scratching your hardscaping surfaces.

Remember that outdoor fireplaces and fire pits need special considerations during the winter

Caring for Fire Pits and Outdoor Fireplaces

We love fire pits and outdoor fireplaces on a chilly winter evening, and these hardscaping projects look beautiful as well. If you have an outdoor fireplace or firepit, below are some wintertime considerations to keep them looking their best:

Clean and Inspect

Before you use your fire pit or outdoor fireplace, always clean and inspect it first. This is especially important if you haven’t used it in a while. Areas like chimneys can get clogged with debris, and birds love to build nests in these areas as well. We love a good friend chicken, but roasted robin isn’t our idea of a good meal.

Also, keeping fire pits and fireplaces clean can prevent a fire from growing out of control. Debris that’s built up over the fall may lead to ashes and coals spilling out of your fire pit or fireplace, potentially leading to a fire in your yard or around your property.

Keep Fire Areas Covered

When not in use, it’s a good idea to cover fire pits and fireplaces. This not only protects the hardscaping surfaces but also prevents debris like pine needles and leaves from getting inside.

Pay special attention to drainage around hardscaping in the Carolinas during the winter

Drainage Considerations

Drainage is also a big concern during winter in the Rock Hill area. Because we experience frost and ice in the mornings and overnight but then warmer temperatures during the day, you may experience water trickling through and around your hardscaping. Over time, this can lead to erosion concerns and damage to your hardscaping features.

Have your retaining walls inspected on a regular basis throughout the year, but especially during the winter. Our team can evaluate your existing retaining wall solution and alert you to any problems. We can also inspect your drainage to ensure water is properly being channeled away from your home or other areas where it can cause damage.

Contact Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features in Rock Hill for Expert Hardscaping Care

If you want peace of mind without having to get out in the cold, Ground FX Landscaping & Water Features is here to serve you with hardscaping maintenance, design, and installation in Rock Hill SC. Contact us today to schedule a free estimate by calling (803) 371-2324. You can also reach us any time using our convenient online contact form.