How to lay paving in winter (Tips & Tricks)

December 31, 2023

How Cold Temperatures Impact Paving Projects

The primary concern when working in cold weather is ensuring proper curing of cement-based products. As temperatures drop, the chemical reactions that cause bedding mortars and jointing compounds to set and harden slow down dramatically. Brief dips below freezing can damage mortar in its early curing stages. Consistent sub-zero temperatures often prevent concrete and mortar from ever fully curing, resulting in a weak, unstable finished product.

Why Rain and Snowfall Create Problems

Heavy or sustained rain or snowfall causes issues as well. Backfill soil can quickly become oversaturated, meaning bedding materials laid on top will not properly adhere or drain. The cement content in mortar is also easily washed away by heavy rains or excessive moisture, severely reducing its bonding strength. Any pavers laid on saturated, shifting soil or weak mortar are liable to settle or crack over time. It is highly advisable to avoid laying paving during heavy precipitation.

How to Combat Issues from Frost and Freezing

Frost, however brief, can wreak havoc on freshly laid pavers as well. As thawed ground expands and contracts, it often loosens properly-laid pavements. Bedding mortar subjected to consistent freeze-thaw cycles while curing also tends to fail prematurely. The simplest solution is laying tarps, insulation blankets, or frost covers over freshly set paving each evening until initial curing is complete. This guarantees winter frosts do not penetrate the critical lower layers of your project.

Key Tips for Laying Paving in Winter Months

Monitor Weather Consistently

Check short and long term weather forecasts at least daily when planning a winter paving project. Hourly forecasts give critical insights on impending rain, snow or sustained freezing temperatures so materials and unfinished work can be swiftly protected or the job safely rescheduled if severe conditions arise.

Vigilantly Protect Against Moisture

It takes extra diligence to keep sand, gravel, cement and paving materials shielded from winter moisture. Designate sheltered storage areas under cover before delivery or pull supplies outdoors only when needed. Waterproof tarp overlays should cloak staged materials and unfinished work whenever stopped for break or at day's end. Preventing water saturated soil and supplies saves endless issues down the road.

Counter Cement Setting Delays with Admixtures

Specialized anti-freeze and accelerating liquid admixtures counteract delayed setting from cold when added to concrete and mortar. Though pricier, using these can make winter paving feasible. Conduct small batch mix tests to gauge set times based on temperatures. Take precise measurements as excessive amounts risk cracking and instability too.

Insulate for Gradual Cement Curing

Rather than leaving freshly laid paving exposed to harsh overnight frost and plummeting temperatures, provide insulation blankets carefully tucked around the outer edges or set polyethylene sheeting, plywood or old carpet atop the surface. This guarantees stabilized incremental cement hydration, yielding properly cured, durable bedding and joints.

Does porcelain paving crack in winter?

No, porcelain pavers are less prone to cracking in winter than concrete or natural stone since they have high flexural strength. Still take measures to prevent freeze/thaw shifting.

Does limestone paving crack in winter?

Limestone is susceptible to cracking from frost exposure before it fully cures. Insulating for gradual curing is highly recommended for winter limestone paving projects.

Does sandstone paving crack in winter?

Sandstone slabs have naturally high fracture toughness. However, consistent insulating for gradual curing protects it from rapid winter temperature changes while mortar and concrete set.

How to protect paving in winter?

While it isn't necessary to protect paving in winter, covering freshly laid paving overnight with insulation blankets, polyethylene sheeting, plywood helps to protect from frost. Store materials under waterproof coverings.

Can you block pave in winter?

Block paving can be laid in all weather as long as the sub-base can be kept dry enough for a stable and fully set surface. Many people wait until the drier spring and summer months to avoid the project being delayed due to the weather. Check out our guide to paving ideas for 2024.