As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, your outdoor stone surfaces—patios, walkways, pool surrounds, and garden features—face harsher conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles, ice, snow, and de-icing salts can damage even the toughest natural stone. A little preparation now can save you big headaches later. Here’s how to winterize your natural stone surfaces effectively.
1. Clean Thoroughly Before the Cold Hits
Before winter sets in, give your stone a deep clean. Dirt, leaves, and algae hold moisture, which can seep into stone and cause cracking when it freezes. Use MB Stone Care’s MB-2 Heavy Duty Stone, Tile & Grout Cleaner for tough stains or Easy Oxy for lighter, everyday cleaning. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove residues. Follow up with our Hardscape BSC as a preventative to keep the biological growths away.
2. Inspect and Repair
Check for cracks, chips, or loose stones. Winter weather can worsen small issues. Contact a stone professional to help you fix these before the winter weather hits. Catching these problems now saves major repairs later.
3. Seal and Protect
A high-quality sealer is your stone’s winter armor. A water-repellent sealer penetrates the stone to block water, salt, and stains. Proper sealing reduces the risk of frost damage and keeps your stone looking fresh in the spring. Just perform a water test on your stone to see if it’s needed.
4. Be Cautious with De-Icers
Avoid harsh chemical de-icers on natural stone—they can cause discoloration or etching. Instead, use stone-safe ice melts on walkways. Keeping your stone protected from chemicals ensures it lasts for years.
5. Cover or Shield When Possible
For delicate stone features or decorative elements, consider covering them during heavy snow or ice storms. Even temporary protection can prevent chips, cracks, and staining from prolonged exposure.
6. Routine Winter Maintenance
Once winter hits, sweep off snow and ice rather than shoveling aggressively. Avoid metal shovels scraping the stone. Quick action prevents scratches and surface damage.
Winterizing your natural stone takes a little effort now but protects your investment for years. Clean, repair, seal, and maintain, and your outdoor stone surfaces will survive the winter looking beautiful and ready for spring.