Does concrete do better with freeze/thaw and equipment clearing snow?
I know paving stones are a lot better for small repairs vs cracked concrete, but maybe the maintenance is still worse for pavers?
Good questions.
I feel like concrete definitely creates more heat, which is a drawback, and I thought the bit of space between pavers or street bricks is better for freeze/thaw.
FWIW:
Here's why paving stones and bricks are often preferred (FROM ONLINE SEARCH)
Flexibility:
Paving stones and bricks are installed with a flexible base, allowing them to move with the soil and resist cracking from freeze-thaw cycles.
Drainage:
Paving stones and brick pavers, especially permeable systems, allow water to drain away from the surface, reducing the likelihood of water freezing and expanding within the material.
Strength:
Paving stones and bricks are often made with high-strength concrete, giving them a higher compressive strength than concrete slabs.
Repair:
Individual pavers or bricks can be easily replaced or repaired, while concrete cracks can be more difficult to fix.
Aesthetics:
Pavers and bricks offer a wider variety of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing for more customized designs.
Here's why concrete sidewalks can struggle in freeze-thaw cycles:
Rigidity:
Concrete slabs are rigid and can crack under the stress of freeze-thaw cycles, especially if the subgrade isn't properly prepared.
Cracking:
Water can seep into cracks in concrete, freeze, and expand, causing further damage.
Difficulty Repairing:
Repairing concrete cracks can be challenging, and often involves replacing the entire section of the sidewalk.
Frost Heave:
The expansion of frozen water beneath the sidewalk can cause frost heave, lifting the concrete and creating uneven surfaces.
