Should I shovel or use a snow blower on my Ottawa interlock driveway?

For Ottawa interlock driveways, a snow blower is generally the better choice over shoveling, but both require careful technique to avoid damaging the pavers and joints.

Snow blowers are gentler on interlock surfaces because they lift snow rather than scraping it across the pavers. The key is using a two-stage snow blower with adjustable skid shoes set about 10-15mm above the paver surface. This prevents the auger from catching raised or shifted pavers and pulling them out of place. Single-stage snow blowers that rely on the auger contacting the ground should be avoided on interlock — they'll grab loose pavers and damage joints.

If you must shovel, use a plastic blade shovel rather than metal. Metal-edged shovels catch on paver edges and can chip corners or pull pavers out of their bedding sand. Push rather than scrape when possible, and avoid using the shovel edge to break up ice — use an ice chopper or calcium chloride instead. The repetitive scraping motion of shoveling also gradually removes polymeric sand from joints, requiring more frequent reapplication.

Ottawa's heavy snowfall and frequent freeze-thaw cycles make interlock maintenance more challenging than in milder climates. Snow removal equipment will gradually loosen polymeric sand regardless of technique, which is why Ottawa interlock driveways typically need joint sand replacement every 3-4 years instead of the 5-7 years common in southern Ontario. Each winter of plowing, blowing, and shoveling displaces some sand.

Practical winter maintenance tips for Ottawa interlock: Apply a light coating of sand for traction rather than salt when possible — salt promotes efflorescence (white staining) in paver joints and can weaken the polymeric sand bond. If you must use deicing chemicals, calcium chloride is less damaging than rock salt. Clear snow promptly after each snowfall rather than letting it build up and compact, which makes removal harder and increases the force needed. Inspect for loose or raised pavers each spring and reset them before they become trip hazards or get caught by snow removal equipment.

When to hire snow removal professionals: If your interlock driveway has significant settling, raised pavers, or loose joints, professional snow removal operators with experience on interlock surfaces may be worth the investment. They understand proper equipment settings and techniques. However, always specify that they're working on interlock and verify their equipment is properly adjusted — a plow or blower set for asphalt will destroy interlock pavers.

The extra care required for snow removal is part of the maintenance commitment that comes with choosing interlock over asphalt in Ottawa's climate, but proper technique will keep your pavers looking great for decades.