The 9% Expansion Rule
Concrete pavers are like hard sponges. They are porous materials full of microscopic capillaries that naturally absorb water from rain and snowmelt.
In Florida, this isn't a problem. In Glen Ellyn and the Western Suburbs, it is catastrophic.
When water freezes, it expands by approximately 9%. If that water is trapped inside the pores of your brick, that expansion creates massive internal hydrostatic pressure—up to 30,000 PSI. This force is strong enough to burst iron pipes, and it is certainly strong enough to crack a concrete paver.
The Result: "Spalling"
(Surface Erosion)
You have likely seen this on older sidewalks. The top layer of the concrete flakes off, exposing the rough, rocky aggregate underneath. This is called Spalling.
It happens when the water trapped in the top 1/8th inch of the paver freezes and shears the face of the stone off.
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Already see damage? If your pavers are already flaking or cracking, sealing alone won't fix it. You may need our Paver Repair & Restoration service to replace the damaged units before we seal the rest.
Salt: The Accelerant
De-icing salt (Sodium Chloride) is a necessary evil in Chicago, but it accelerates destruction in two ways:
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Chemical Attack: Salt is slightly acidic and eats away at the cement paste.
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Thermal Shock: Salt melts ice, allowing water to soak deeper, where it refreezes at night.
Note: Sometimes, what looks like salt damage is actually a natural mineral deposit coming from the stone. If you see a white, chalky powder, check out our guide on Efflorescence Removal to understand the difference.
Pro Tip
The "Salt" Secret
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Stop buying cheap rock salt (sodium chloride)
While it is inexpensive, rock salt stops working at roughly 15°F. When it stops melting, the water refreezes on your driveway, causing more damage than if you had done nothing at all.
The Solution:
Hydrophobic Sealing
You cannot stop the winter, but you can stop the water.
Our premium sealers work by creating a Hydrophobic Barrier. By impregnating the pores of the paver with specialized polymers, we change the surface tension of the stone. Instead of soaking in, water beads up on the surface.
Stops the Cycle Before It Starts
If water cannot enter the pore, it cannot freeze inside the pore. No expansion means no cracking. See the results for yourself in our Before & After Gallery.
Why We Recommend Water-Based Protection
For freeze-thaw protection, breathability is key.
While we offer both types of products, we strongly recommend our Water-Based Sealants for winter protection.
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The Science: Unlike older Solvent/Oil-Based Sealers which can trap moisture like plastic wrap, our water-based urethanes allow ground vapor to escape.
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The Benefit: This prevents the sealer from popping off or turning white during a hard freeze.
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Deep Dive: Unsure about the chemistry? Read our full comparison: Water-Based vs. Solvent-Based: The Expert Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Damage
Will sealing my pavers prevent them from cracking in winter?
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Sealing significantly reduces the risk of spalling (surface flaking). However, deep structural cracks caused by the ground heaving are a sub-base issue. If your pavers are sinking or uneven, we address this during the Joint Stabilization process.
Can I use salt on sealed pavers?
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Yes, but use it sparingly. A high-quality sealer protects the concrete from chemical salt damage, but we recommend using calcium chloride (which is gentler) instead of rock salt.
When is the best time to seal?
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The sealer and polymeric sand need temperatures above 50°F to cure properly. That being said, our normal season runs between mid-April through October.