Winter is here, and with it comes cold temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home’s outdoor patio. When the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the ground starts to shift and your pavers are at risk of breaking. But what kind of damage can freezing temperatures cause? What should you do if you find out your patio is damaged? Let’s take a look to see how you can make it through these cold winters.
The Danger of Freezing Temperatures
When temperatures drop below freezing, water in the soil expands and causes the ground to shift. This shifting has potential to cause damage to your pavers, including cracking, chipping, or even breaking. Additionally, frost can form in between the cracks of your pavers, putting additional stress on them and making them more likely to break.
How Can You Tell If Your Patio is Damaged?
If you suspect that the freezing temperatures have caused damage to your patio, there are some telltale signs you can look for. These include visible cracks in the pavers, uneven spaces between the pavers due to shifting ground, and even broken or missing pieces of paver material. If you notice any of these symptoms on your patio surface it’s important to call a professional as soon as possible for an assessment before further damage occurs.
What Should You Do If You Discover Damage?
If you find out that your patio is damaged due to freezing temperatures or other external factors such as flooding or shifting ground, don’t panic! The first thing you should do is contact a professional who specializes in repairing outdoor patios as soon as possible so they can assess the damage and provide an estimate for repair costs. The average cost for repairing a damaged outdoor patio varies depending on how extensive the damage is and what type of materials were used in its construction but typically ranges from $2-3 per square foot (not including installation).
Why Should You Always Contact a Professional?
No matter how tempted you may be to try DIY repair methods yourself when it comes to fixing up a damaged outdoor patio—don’t! It’s a best practice to always contact a professional because they have experience with properly diagnosing and fixing patios that have been affected by extreme temperatures or other environmental factors. Professionals will also be able to advise on ways you can prevent future damage from occurring so that your patio stays safe all year long!
It’s easy to overlook just how much impact freezing temperatures can have on an outdoor patio but it’s important not too! With winter upon us now is an ideal time for homeowners who use their patios regularly during colder months check for any signs of damage due to shifting ground or frost heaving then contact a professional if necessary for repairs before further harm occurs. Remember—it’s always better (and cheaper!) to take preventative action then wait until after something breaks before fixing it! Good luck this winter season and stay warm!