Winter Patio Care: Keep Your Outdoor Space Looking Great When It’s Cold
As the days grow shorter and the frost sets in, now’s the time to give your patio a little extra love. A well-maintained paved area will not only look nicer but will also last longer — and that means fewer surprises when spring arrives. Here’s how to prepare your patio for winter, with some practical tips and the right products to keep everything in top shape.
1. Clear debris and clean surfaces
Start by sweeping your patio thoroughly to remove fallen leaves, twigs, moss and algae. These can trap moisture and lead to frozen patches, slippery surfaces, or even joint damage once the temperature drops. After sweeping, give the surface a good wash down. For tougher stains or mossy patches, consider using a professional strength cleaner such as the ProJoint Paving & Driveway Cleaner (5 L) — ideal for removing grime and helping the surface drain properly.
2. Check joints and fill as needed
Once everything’s clean and dry, inspect the joints between your paving slabs. Winter’s freeze-thaw cycles are hard on weak joints: water gets in, freezes, expands, and can cause loosening or cracking. This is where a strong jointing compound really pays off. At Paving Planet, you’ll find options such as:
The ultra-high strength epoxy grout ProJoint TITAN (22.5 kg) — great if you’re after maximum durability.
Joint Tec™ Brush In Jointing Compound available in multiple colours (e.g., Granite Grey, Buff Sand, Basalt Grey) — perfect for restoring clean, strong joints with a good aesthetic match to your paving.
A-JOINT® READY FLEX – Flexible Brush In Jointing Compound (15 kg) — if you expect a bit more movement in the substrate (especially useful on patios with variation).
By renewing or topping up the joints now, you’re protecting against moisture ingress and reducing the risk of joint erosion or slab movement over winter.
3. Ensure good drainage and airflow
With frost and frozen ground, standing water or damp surfaces are major risks. Make sure your patio is free-draining: check that there are no blocked channels, leaves aren’t clogging edges, and that water runs away from walls and foundations. Good airflow under and around the patio can help surfaces dry quicker when the sun does appear.
4. Remove snow and ice carefully
If snowfall arrives, clear snow promptly using a plastic or rubber-edged shovel (metal blades can damage stone or porcelain). Avoid using rock salt on sensitive natural stone — instead opt for a sand or grit to provide traction without risk of etching the surface. Once the snow is cleared, keep an eye on the joint lines: refreeze can exploit weak spots.
5. Store furnishings and accessories
If you use garden furniture, planters, or other accessories on the patio, consider storing them or covering them up for winter. This reduces wear on the slabs and joints from condensation, pool water, and general winter grime. Plus, it keeps your outdoor space looking cleaner throughout the cold months.
6. Schedule a spring check-up
Even with good winter care, it’s wise to plan a full inspection next spring. After the worst of the freeze-thaw cycles, check for any slab movement, joint shrinkage, or moss/weed regrowth. If needed, you’ll already have the jointing compounds and cleaning products on hand to refresh and restore.
Closing thought: Winter doesn’t have to mean neglecting your outdoor space. By doing a little prep now, cleaning well, renewing jointing with high-quality products from Paving Planet, and ensuring drainage — you’ll wake up in spring to a patio that’s ready to shine again. If you’d like help selecting the right jointing compound for your patio style or substrate, feel free to get in touch!
