Winter is here! How to care for granite finishing materials in winter?

Latvian winters do not always stand out with such cool days as January 19th, but this year has been generous with snow as well as days with temperature below zero. The road to us goes through white frost covered birches and white oak alley.

How to care for cobblestone and granite finishings outside in winter?

The stone is highly weather resistant, making it ideal for use in this kind of environment. But there are things you can do to keep it in good condition.

Stone tiles or slabs will survive much better if they have been left not cared for in comparison to wood or plastic. The sun, rain and frost affect the stone very little.

If a place covered with granite slabs, tiles or cobblestones is not used in the winter, we recommend that you simply remove the fallen leaves and other dirt from the surface in the autumn. This is not because it could affect the quality of the stone, but more so because it will make it difficult to clean the stone in the spring and will create an environment for pest development.

Stone tiles and slabs should be cleaned with a simple brush, soap and water. Chemicals can damage the stone surface (mostly by making patches and staining the stone). Even though stone withstands outdoor weather for many years, is can be damaged by chemicals containing acids (even mild concentrations).

If it is necessary to use one of the anti-skid materials, we recommend using salt. Rubble can scratch the stone. The usual kitchen salt lowers the freezing point of water, so ice cannot form. Salt can leave white traces on the stone, but don't worry - it will be washed with the next spring rain or you can wash it with the water.