How To Remove Snow From Interlock With No Damage

You invested all this money on landscaping your home and you don’t want to damage it with excess salt, chemical de-icers, or mechanical snowblowers.  So what is the most practical method of removing all this snow?
Just like concrete and asphalt, most types of interlocking pavers, such as Techo-Bloc pavers can be plowed and shovelled. Actually, the edges and joints around the pavers assist in melting snow and ice.

No Right Answer, Prepare a Small Test Area Fist.  

There are many factors that can change your results, the porosity of the pavers, the strength of the paver, and how it was made can all affect results. So it’s important to make sure a respectable company installs your project for you with a product such as Techo-Bloc. With a bit of homework to find out the safest and most practical approach for your home, you can find out more on websites such as Techo-bloc and Interlocking Concrete Paving Institute (ICPI).

Snow Blowing

Snow blowing is generally a great option for smooth and level surfaces.  Interlock work done by A&Z is guaranteed to be level. If your interlock isn’t flat the blades of the snowblower can hit the ground damaging the surface.  Depending on the quality of your foundation, the bricks might rise or fall as the ground freezes. A small gap in elevation creates a risk that the snowblower can damage your interlock.  
If your interlock was installed by a DIY’er and it’s not level? In general snow blowing is a practical way of removing snow but you should try and tilt the machine slightly so there is a layer of snow left behind and your blades won’t ever come in contact with the paver.
The results here are only as good as the snow blower operator.  Practice on your asphalt and know how your machine handles before making a pass over interlock.  

Plowing

When using a contractor for snow removal, it is recommended to verify that their equipment uses Teflon blades to avoid scratching the pavers.  Excessive scraping with steel blades is not something we suggest. If you hire a company for snow removal to check their reviews and make sure they only hire skilled drivers.  Be warned, the snow removal companies are more interested in time than skill. Find a plowing company that uses snow blowing attachments over plows for best results.

Chemical Agents & Salts

Using de-icing salt (sodium chloride or calcium chloride) to remove snow and ice will not harm most pavers like Techo-Bloc paving stones.
However, wet-cast products such as Stonedge Collection products from Techo-Block or any other manufacturer can be plowed but, the use of de-icing salt is not recommended. It’s always a good idea to check the warranties of the paver manufacturer.
Chemicals and salts can stain and erode pavers, especially the ones made from clay. The salty water is absorbed by the pavers and through a process called efflorescence stains appear and even after pressure washing can reappear.  As the water gets absorbed in the paver it refreezes causing surface damage to the paver. It comes down to porosity and strength of the paver.
Industry testing shows that deicers with magnesium chloride are the safest and most effective, so check the ingredients next time you buy.

In Conclusion:

The best advice we can give is that shovelling, and snow blowing are great ways to remove snow from interlock. Chemical products can be effective too but make sure to test the area before committing to one product and ask your contractor for his advice. And as always develop a good relationship with your contractor, making sure they are reputable and can provide you with the right information from choosing the paver to the installation and care of your home project.