7 Ways To Protect Your Interlock and Stone Surfaces During Ottawa Winters

Ottawa winters are no joke. Between heavy snowfalls, freeze-thaw cycles, and road salt, your outdoor spaces take a real beating. If you have interlock patios, walkways, driveways, or natural stone features, winter can shorten their lifespan and dull their appearance if they aren’t properly protected.

The good news? With the right preparation and a few simple habits, you can help your interlock and stone surfaces look great year after year, even with Ottawa’s toughest weather.

Here’s how to protect your investment before, during, and after winter.

1. Start with a Thorough Fall Clean-Up

Prevention starts before the snow flies.

In late fall, give your interlock and stone areas a good clean to remove anything that can stain, trap moisture, or encourage weed growth over winter.

What to do:

• Sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris

• Remove moss, weeds, and organic buildup from joints

• Rinse the surface to clear out dust and grime

Why it matters:

Organic material left sitting on the surface can break down, stain your stone, and hold moisture against the surface. Keeping things clean sets the stage for better winter performance and easier spring maintenance.

2. Check for Sinking, Shifting, or Loose Pavers

If you notice uneven areas, wobbly stones, or pooling water before winter, now is the time to address them.

Uneven or compromised bases can worsen when freeze-thaw cycles start. Water gets into low spots and gaps, freezes, expands, and pushes things further out of place.

Signs your interlock needs attention:

• Pavers that rock or feel loose when stepped on

• Visible dips where water collects

• Edges that are starting to spread or separate

Professional repair or re-levelling now can prevent worse damage and more expensive repairs in the future. 

3. Consider Sealing Your Interlock and Stone

Sealing isn’t needed for every project, but for many high-traffic or high-exposure areas, it can provide valuable protection, especially in Ottawa’s climate.

A quality sealer can help:

• Repel water and reduce freeze-thaw damage

• Protect against road salt, oil, and other surface stains

• Enhance and maintain the colour of your stone or pavers

Not all sealers are created equal, and not every surface should be sealed the same way. It’s important to select the right product and apply it correctly. 

4. Use the Right De-Icing Products

This is one of the biggest winter game-changers.

Many homeowners don’t realize that certain de-icing products can permanently damage interlock and stone surfaces. Some salts are extremely harsh and can cause surface flaking, scaling, and discolouration over time.

Tips for de-icing:

• Avoid traditional rock salt (sodium chloride) on your interlock and stone

• Use products that are labelled as safe for concrete or natural stone

• Apply de-icer sparingly and only where needed

• Use sand for extra traction in really icy areas

If you’re not sure which product is best for your surfaces, ask a professional for recommendations based on the type of stone or pavers you have.

5. Shovel and Plow with Care

Snow removal is unavoidable in Ottawa, but the way you do it makes a big difference.

Best practices:

• Use plastic shovels versus metal ones when possible, to avoid scratching

• If using a snow blower, adjust the blade height so it doesn’t scrape directly on the stone

• For plows, ensure the blade has a rubber edge or is lifted slightly off the surface

Aggressive scraping or dragging heavy metal blades across your interlock can chip edges, scratch the surface, and disturb joint sand. Over time, that leads to an uneven surface and more maintenance.

6. Maintain Joint Sand Throughout the Year

Jointing sand between pavers plays a bigger role than most homeowners realize.

Jointing sand between pavers helps:

• Lock the stones in place

• Support the edges

• Reduce weed growth

• Prevent water from sitting in the joints

Over time, and especially with snow clearing, joint sand can wash out.

If your joints are looking shallow or patchy before winter, it’s a great idea to top up the sand. For many modern interlock projects, polymeric sand is used, which hardens in place when properly installed and offers better resistance to erosion and weed growth.

Maintaining healthy joints helps the entire surface perform better through winter.

7. Address Drainage Issues Early

Drainage problems are often subtle at first, but your yard will usually give you a few warning signs.

If you’ve noticed areas where:

• Water often sits after rain

• Ice forms quickly

• Snow melt lingers longer than it should

… you may have a drainage issue.

Poor drainage can amplify freeze-thaw damage, as water repeatedly seeps, freezes, and expands beneath your interlock or stone surface.

A professional assessment can help identify whether you need:

• Re-grading

• Additional drainage solutions (like French drains)

• Re-levelling or re-laying certain areas

Fixing drainage problems now can significantly extend the life of your outdoor surfaces.

Keep Your Stone and Interlock Looking Great, Year After Year

Your patios, walkways, driveways, and stone features are an investment in your home’s curb appeal and outdoor enjoyment. With Ottawa’s harsh winters, they deserve a little extra care.

By:

• Cleaning and inspecting in the fall

• Using the right de-icers

• Protecting your surfaces from harsh plows and shovels

• Maintaining proper drainage and joint sand

• Calling in professionals when needed

… you’ll help your interlock and stone surfaces stand up beautifully to winter and be ready to enjoy as soon as the snow melts.

Contact us today so we can assess your existing surfaces, recommend the proper maintenance steps, and ensure your outdoor spaces are built and protected to handle many winters to come.