Now that the weather has finally broke, it is time to get your outdoor space ready for summer use.  Surely the cold winter temperatures and deicing agents have left your lawn looking bereft, but it may have also done a number on your hardscapes as well.  Water can seep into cracks in the surfaces of your driveway and walkways, which are subject to freeze-thaw cycles that cause the trapped water to freeze and expand and cause further damage to paved surfaces.

Residents of the Northeast are used to gathering the broom, scrub brush, bucket and hose once the temperature breaks in order to get outdoor areas ready for summer gatherings, but there are a few extra steps you should take to properly care for your hardscaping so that it lasts a lifetime.

Patios, Walkways, Driveways – Before spring or summer begins, check for damage and tripping hazards on your ground surfaces.  Areas that are constructed from asphalt or concrete materials can develop cracks and holes from harsh temperatures and deicing chemicals. Cracks and holes that are not repaired can become larger and potentially dangerous to you, your guests and your vehicles. Repair is quite easy and with a simple game-plan and the right tools and materials, it shouldn’t take you more than an afternoon to complete. Be sure to check the forecast before starting.  It is best to wait for a warm, dry day in order to achieve optimal results.

Outdoor Kitchens – It’s hard to resist the urge to throw your first steak on the grill as soon as the temperature hits 50 degrees, but you should make sure that your outdoor kitchen is clean and in proper working order before getting the perfect char on your favorite foods.  Remove all protective coverings in their entirety and check to make sure that your grill or pizza oven hasn’t become a winter hideout for any local critters before striking the first match.  Inspect your countertops and cabinetry for any winter damage and make simple repairs before the damage gets worse and requires replacement.

Retaining Walls – Take a good look at your retaining walls once the snow has melted to make sure that they are structurally sound.  Freeze-thaw cycles could very well have left walls in less than perfect condition.  Without proper drainage, snow that is left to melt on top of the area being retained can cause the soil behind the wall to become saturated and less supportive.  Structures that are close to a front walk may have been compromised by a DOT plow consistently pushing snow up and against the front surface. A wall that is no longer structurally sound can become a real danger.  A timely repair is in good order.

Take the time to clean out the gutters and hose off the patio furniture. Spring is a great time to tackle all of the big and small outdoor projects you’ve been thinking about.  Try to get your projects completed early in the season so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor before your first barbecue!

For more information about hardscape installation and repair services offered in Colts Neck, Holmdel, and Rumson NJ and Staten Island  by Millenium Stone Works, call 732-519-1112 or 347-723-6990.