Winter is coming. The temperatures are getting colder, and Christmas is fast approaching. Most of us are wrapping up warm in hats and gloves as we prepare to face the annual cold spell.

But winter maintenance isn’t all about people. Our homes and material possessions also need to prepare for the elements. As resin driveway laying specialists, we’ll use this blog to explain how to prepare your resin patio for winter.

Tip #1 – Clean off the autumn debris

One of the most damaging things to a resin patio is the leftover debris from half-decayed leaves. Ensure you sweep them off as soon as possible – ideally in the autumn, but it’s never too late if you’re preparing for winter.

Use a stiff-bristled broom to remove the majority of the leaves. A standard one from a garden centre or discount store will do. Once you’ve done this, use a jet wash or a hose with a nozzle to wash off any remaining debris. Ensure you use a relatively low-pressure setting to avoid damaging the resin surface.

Once the autumn debris has been swept up and removed, you’ll be much better positioned to help your resin patio through winter. This also ensures the leaves don’t stain and discolour the surface.

Tip #2 – Don’t be afraid to use salt

Most people don’t use their patio at all in winter. For the majority, there’s no need. If you’re one of these people, don’t worry about salting – just stay away from the patio. But if it’s unavoidable – for example, if the patio is part of your route out of the house – buy a couple of bags from the shop now and keep them ready in the garage.

Salt isn’t ideal for any surface, but ice is worse. Using salt on your resin-bound patio is perfectly acceptable and won’t do it any harm. If you see negative temperatures or snow on the forecast or the horizon, sprinkle some on.

However, do ensure that you wash the salt off as soon as we get back above freezing! If it’s left on there for a long time, it might start to do some damage. Again, use a hose or jet wash to remove all the salt.

Tip #3 – Consider covering it with a tarpaulin

Resin is naturally UV-resistant. This means the coloured stone it encases remains vibrant for decades (with a little TLC).

That said, winter usually means a patio isn’t used at all. If there’s no sense in subjecting it to unnecessary exposure to the elements, you could cover it with a tarp (tarpaulin).

Of course, you shouldn’t walk on or use the patio until you take the tarpaulin up. In winter, in particular, it’ll be too slippery and too dangerous to use. But you will see a slightly longer lifespan in the long run.