Interlocking pavers add undeniable beauty and value to your property. However, Ontario winters can be brutal on outdoor surfaces. Snow, ice, salt, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can slowly weaken even the best-installed interlock. That’s why proper interlock care during winter is essential for homeowners in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Aurora, King City, and across the GTA.
With the right preparation and maintenance, you can protect your investment, prevent costly repairs, and ensure your interlock looks just as stunning in spring as it did in summer. Here’s exactly how to do it.
1. Start With a Deep Clean Before Winter Arrives
The most important step in winter preparation is cleaning your interlock thoroughly before the first freeze. Dirt, algae, moss, and organic debris trap moisture. When that moisture freezes, it expands beneath the surface and destabilizes the base.
Homeowners in Markham, Vaughan, and Newmarket should especially prioritize this step due to frequent freeze-thaw cycles. Professional power or pressure washing removes embedded grime, mildew, and joint debris that garden hoses simply can’t handle.
A clean surface doesn’t just look better — it prevents erosion, staining, and shifting throughout winter.
2. Re-Sand the Joints With Polymeric Sand
Once your interlock is clean and completely dry, the next critical step is joint stabilization using polymeric sand. This sand hardens when activated with water and locks your stones in place.
Why this matters during winter:
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Prevents stone shifting
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Reduces water penetration
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Blocks weed growth
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Stops ants and insects from tunneling
In higher-traffic areas like Richmond Hill driveways, Aurora walkways, and King City patios, joint erosion happens faster — making proper re-sanding essential before winter.
3. Seal Your Interlock for Maximum Protection
Professional interlock sealing is one of the smartest investments you can make before harsh winter weather hits. A high-quality sealant forms a protective barrier that:
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Repels water and ice
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Prevents salt staining
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Enhances colour
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Makes snow removal easier
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Extends the lifespan of your pavers
In cities like Vaughan, Markham, and across the GTA, where road salt use is heavy, sealing prevents permanent white haze and chemical damage.
Sealed interlock also resists surface spalling — the flaking that occurs when trapped moisture freezes beneath the surface.
4. Choose the Right De-Icing Products
Not all ice melt is safe for interlock. Many homeowners unknowingly cause long-term damage by using harsh rock salt.
Avoid:
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Standard sodium chloride (rock salt)
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Magnesium chloride
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Urea-based melts
Use Instead:
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Calcium chloride blends
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Sand for traction
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Interlock-safe ice melts
This is especially important for properties in Newmarket, Aurora, and Richmond Hill, where repeated salting is unavoidable. The right de-icer prevents surface corrosion and joint breakdown.
5. Use Proper Snow Removal Techniques 
Snow removal is necessary — but doing it incorrectly can destroy your interlock.
Best practices include:
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Use plastic shovel blades, not metal
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Keep plow blades slightly raised
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Never scrape directly against the pavers
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Clear snow early to prevent ice bonding
For homeowners in King City and Vaughan, where snowfall is heavier, hiring professionals who understand interlock protection can prevent costly surface damage.
6. Maintain Proper Drainage Around Your Interlock
Standing water is one of the most dangerous enemies of interlock during winter. When water pools and freezes, it expands beneath the surface and causes sinking, shifting, and heaving.
Before winter hits:
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Ensure all slopes drain properly
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Clear downspouts away from stonework
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Fix low spots where water accumulates
In Markham, Newmarket, and across the GTA, drainage issues are one of the top causes of interlock failure after winter.
7. Repair Small Issues Before They Become Big Ones
Tiny problems become massive after one harsh winter.
Before the first snowfall, inspect for:
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Loose stones
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Sunken edges
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Cracked pavers
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Exposed base material
Early repairs in Aurora, Richmond Hill, or Vaughan will save thousands in full restoration costs when spring arrives.
8. Why Professional Interlock Maintenance Matters
DIY care helps — but professional service makes the real difference. At No Limit Sealing, we provide complete interlock cleaning, sanding, repair, and sealing throughout:
✅ Vaughan
✅ Richmond Hill
✅ Markham
✅ Newmarket
✅ Aurora
✅ King City
✅ And across the GTA
Our climate-specific sealing systems are designed for Ontario winters, ensuring your pavers stay strong, beautiful, and stable year after year.
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Interlock Before Winter Does the Damage
Canadian winters are unforgiving — but your interlock doesn’t have to suffer. With proper cleaning, joint stabilization, sealing, safe snow removal, and professional maintenance, your stonework can survive winter without shifting, staining, or deteriorating.
If you live in Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, Aurora, King City, or anywhere across the GTA, now is the perfect time to protect your interlock before freeze-thaw damage begins.
Contact No Limit Sealing today for a free estimate on interlock cleaning, repair, and sealing — and enter winter with confidence knowing your investment is fully protected.
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