Is it safe to use a metal-edged snow shovel on an interlock driveway without chipping the pavers?

Metal-edged snow shovels can chip and damage interlock pavers, especially along edges and corners where the concrete is most vulnerable. The sharp metal blade can catch raised paver edges, gouge surfaces, and chip corners when dragged across the textured interlock surface.

Plastic or composite snow shovels are much safer for interlock driveways. The softer blade material won't chip concrete pavers when it makes contact, and these shovels are still effective for snow removal. Look for shovels with reinforced plastic blades or composite materials that provide durability without the hardness of metal. Many Ottawa homeowners successfully use plastic shovels on interlock for years without paver damage.

Snow blowers are often the best option for interlock driveways because the auger and chute don't make direct contact with the paver surface. However, set the skid shoes properly to maintain clearance above the pavers — interlock surfaces are rarely perfectly level, and catching a raised paver with the auger housing can cause significant damage. Single-stage electric snow blowers work well for most Ottawa residential interlock driveways.

Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles make interlock pavers more susceptible to chipping damage during winter months. When pavers are saturated with water and subjected to freezing temperatures, the concrete becomes more brittle. A metal shovel strike that might only scuff a paver in summer can chip or crack it when the concrete is frozen. This is particularly true for pavers that have been in place for several years and have absorbed moisture through their pores.

Proper interlock maintenance reduces winter damage risk. Pavers that have settled unevenly or heaved from frost action create raised edges that catch shovel blades and snow blower augers. Having settled areas relevelled before winter and ensuring polymeric sand joints are properly filled helps create a smoother surface that's less likely to catch equipment. Also, applying a concrete sealer every few years reduces water absorption, making pavers less brittle during freeze-thaw cycles.

If you must use a metal shovel occasionally, keep the blade flat against the surface rather than angling it, push rather than scrape when possible, and be extra careful around paver edges and step-downs. Consider keeping a plastic shovel specifically for your interlock areas and using the metal shovel only on asphalt sections or walkways.

For Ottawa homeowners with large interlock driveways, investing in a quality plastic snow shovel or small electric snow blower pays for itself by preventing costly paver replacement. Individual damaged pavers typically cost $15 to $30 each to replace, plus labour, and winter damage often affects multiple pavers along traffic patterns.