Should I cover my Ottawa interlock driveway with a snow tarp?

Snow tarps are not recommended for interlock driveways in Ottawa and can actually cause more damage than they prevent. While the idea of protecting your investment seems logical, tarps create problems that outweigh any potential benefits in Ottawa's harsh winter climate.

Why Snow Tarps Cause Problems on Interlock

Tarps trap moisture between the covering and the paver surface, creating a greenhouse effect that promotes freeze-thaw cycling directly against your pavers. When snow melts on top of the tarp during sunny winter days (common in Ottawa), that water often finds its way underneath, where it freezes against the pavers and in the joints. This trapped moisture causes more aggressive freeze-thaw damage than leaving the surface exposed to natural drying and ventilation.

The weight of accumulated snow on tarps also creates uneven pressure distribution across your interlock surface. Instead of snow distributing evenly, tarps can create pressure points that push down on individual pavers, potentially causing settling or shifting in areas where the base may have minor weaknesses. Ottawa's heavy, wet spring snow is particularly problematic for this.

Ottawa Interlock is Designed for Winter Exposure

Quality concrete interlock pavers installed with proper base preparation (minimum 450mm total base depth in Ottawa) are engineered to handle freeze-thaw cycles, snow loads, and plowing. The key to winter durability is proper installation with adequate Granular B sub-base below the frost line, not surface protection. Pavers that require tarping to survive Ottawa winters were likely installed with insufficient base depth or poor drainage.

Better Winter Protection Strategies

Instead of tarping, focus on proper polymeric sand maintenance — ensure joints are filled with quality polymeric sand before winter arrives. This prevents water infiltration between pavers and locks them together against frost heaving. Proper drainage is critical — ensure your driveway slopes away from the house and doesn't have low spots where water pools and freezes.

When plowing or shoveling, use plastic-edged tools rather than metal to avoid catching and lifting paver edges. Set your snowplow blade slightly higher than you would for asphalt to avoid catching raised pavers.

When to Consider Professional Assessment

If you're concerned about winter damage to relatively new interlock, the issue is likely inadequate base preparation rather than normal winter exposure. Have a qualified paving contractor assess whether your base meets Ottawa standards for frost protection. Properly installed interlock in Ottawa routinely lasts 25-30+ years through hundreds of freeze-thaw cycles without protection.

Need help finding a qualified interlock contractor to assess your driveway? Ottawa Driveways can match you with local paving professionals who understand Ottawa's climate requirements.