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This winter brought heavy snowfall, repeated melting, and sharp overnight freezes across Durham Region. While it may not look dramatic at first glance, that constant cycle of thawing and refreezing can quietly damage driveways, patios, and interlock surfaces.
When snow melts during the day, water seeps into small gaps between pavers and into the base underneath. Once temperatures drop again, that water freezes and expands. Expansion creates pressure. Pressure creates movement. Over time, that movement causes sinking, shifting, and uneven sections.
If you are noticing something feels slightly off when you walk across your driveway, freeze–thaw movement may already be at work.
Assessing driveway level after repeated freeze–thaw cycles in Durham Region.
What Freeze–Thaw Damage Looks Like
What Freeze–Thaw Damage Looks Like
Most homeowners do not see dramatic cracks right away. Instead, the first signs are subtle.
You might notice one corner of your patio feels slightly lower than it did in the fall. You may see water pooling in a small dip after a warm afternoon. Joint sand might appear thinner than usual in a few areas. Edges can begin separating slightly from the main field of pavers.
These small shifts are not unusual after a winter like this one. The key is catching them early before movement spreads across the surface.
Why Late Winter Is Often the Most Damaging
Why Late Winter Is Often the Most Damaging
March and early April are often harder on interlock than mid-January.
During deep winter, the ground stays consistently frozen. Movement slows down. Once daytime temperatures begin rising above zero and dropping below freezing at night, the constant expansion and contraction intensifies.
That is when:
Small dips become obvious
Surfaces start to feel uneven
Water begins collecting in low spots
Ignoring this stage allows the base beneath the surface to weaken further. The longer it sits, the larger the repair area becomes.
Can It Be Fixed?
Can It Be Fixed?
One of the advantages of interlock over poured concrete is repairability. Sections can be lifted, the base corrected, and the stones reset properly without replacing the entire surface.
In most cases, freeze–thaw damage involves localized base correction. Stones are carefully removed, the foundation beneath is re-leveled and compacted, and the pavers are reinstalled with fresh joint sand. Addressed early, these repairs are straightforward and far less disruptive than a full rebuild.
Why Early Booking Matters
Why Early Booking Matters
Once the ground begins to thaw, spring schedules fill quickly across Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville, and Whitby. Many homeowners wait until visible damage becomes frustrating. By then, repair slots are limited.
Scheduling an early assessment allows us to evaluate the movement, determine whether drainage adjustments are needed, and plan corrective work before the busy season peaks.
If your driveway or patio does not look quite right after this winter, it is worth taking a closer look now rather than mid-summer.
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