❄️ Salt Damage on Pavers: What Homeowners Should Know ❄️
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During winter months, many homeowners use ice melt or salt to improve safety—but few realize the damage it can cause to paver patios, walkways, and driveways. In Metro Atlanta, where freeze-thaw cycles are common, salt can seriously shorten the lifespan of your hardscape if it’s not used properly.
Why Salt Damages Pavers
Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, but when it seeps into pavers and joints, it creates internal pressure during freeze-thaw cycles. This can lead to:
Surface flaking or scaling
Color fading and discoloration
Cracked or spalling pavers
Joint sand breakdown and shifting
Concrete-based pavers are especially vulnerable if they aren’t sealed or if the base and drainage weren’t installed correctly.
The Bigger Issue: Moisture
Salt damage is often a symptom of trapped moisture. Poor drainage, improper base installation, or failing joint material allows water to sit beneath and inside pavers—making freeze damage far worse.
How to Protect Your Pavers
✔ Avoid traditional rock salt on paver surfaces
✔ Use paver-safe or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) products
✔ Ensure proper drainage and base installation
✔ Seal pavers when appropriate
✔ Keep joints properly filled and maintained
Built the Right Way Matters
At Hannah Outdoor Designs, we build paver patios and walkways the right way—from the base up—so they can handle seasonal changes without premature failure. We also educate homeowners on proper care to protect their investment long-term.
If you have questions about protecting your pavers or notice signs of salt damage, we’re always happy to help.
🌿 Hannah Outdoor Designs
📞 678-249-9258
Built to last
Designed to enjoy!
