Snow removal on interlock and stamped concrete: the edge, the de-icer and the fine print

Two paved surfaces, two kinds of risk

Interlock is a field of concrete pavers on a sand bed, with jointing sand between the stones. Winter damage comes from the top (scratches, chipped corners, rust streaks from steel) and from a paver sitting higher than its neighbours, where a machine catches its edge.

Stamped concrete is one slab with a pressed pattern and, usually, a sealer. Its risk is the surface: scaling and spalling when de-icers force repeated thawing and refreezing.

Say which one you have, and the paver brand if it is on the installer’s invoice. The makers publish their own winter rules, and they differ.

The edge that touches the surface

Unilock says metal blades on plows or shovels scratch and chip pavers, and asks for a polyurethane or rubber cutting edge on any metal plow blade. Permacon recommends an adjustable depth skate and a snow guard blade to avoid scratches and rust marks, and plastic shovels. One Ottawa firm fits Teflon-equipped blowers and shovels walks with plastic shovels. Machines compared: snow blowing vs plowing.

Unilock’s advisories exclude scratching and chipping from snow removal equipment, so the company’s edge and its contract decide who pays for a marked paver.

Which de-icer, by paver brand

Unilock says rock salt melts ice down to about -9°C. Salt can arrive by default: one Ottawa firm includes driveway salting with each clearing and charges $25 an application on walks and steps. Write the allowed product, or none, into the contract. More on salting and sanding.

Sand, joints and permeable pavers

The makers split on sand. Unilock suggests coarse sand for grip; Permacon allows fine sand without coarse particles and warns that gravel scratches. Permacon also keeps sand off permeable pavers, since it clogs the drainage joints.

Permacon advises checking polymeric sand joints in the fall and after the thaw, and resetting pavers that shifted. Photograph open joints and a loose border before November.

Stamped concrete and its sealer

Concrete Network says stamped concrete is usually sealed about 28 days after pouring and resealed every two to five years. The sealer guards against water and deicing chemicals; water that soaks in and darkens the surface suggests it has worn off. Another Concrete Network guide advises avoiding metal blades on concrete driveways. Sealing runs $0.50–$2 per square foot on HomeStars, work priced apart from snow clearing.

What sets the price on a paved driveway

The Ottawa lists found price by size, trigger and add-ons, with no line for interlock or stamped concrete. HomeStars puts seasonal residential contracts at $300–$1,800+ and visits at $40–$150. Extra lines come from hand work on walks and steps, de-icing ($90–$180 an hour on HomeStars), and access: one firm prices difficult-access driveways separately. Sizes: prices by driveway.

Damage terms and the fall walk-around

One Kanata–Stittsville firm’s terms say worn driveways carry a higher risk of chipping, and it does not replace interlock pieces torn out of uneven surfaces. They exclude scrapes and rust marks, set 7 days to report, and ask owners to flag interlocking steps and walls for extra markers. Read your own: snow removal damage.

Photograph pavers, the border and the street apron in October. The City’s right of way includes driveway accesses, so pavers at the street end may sit on City land. Ontario requires a written contract for snow removal over $50.

Who you are dealing with

Ottawa Snow Desk passes your request to one independent local snow removal company. That company calls you back, says what equipment and products it uses on your surface, prices the season and clears the driveway.