How to Protect Wanaque Driveways & Walkways from Winter Damage 

Winter in Wanaque doesn’t take it easy on your driveway. Between steep slopes, heavy snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, your surfaces need a little prep to make it through the season without cracking or shifting. 

The good news? With a few simple steps and the right materials, you can protect your hardscapes before the cold really sets in. 

Why Winter Wreaks Havoc on Wanaque Hardscapes 

In my experience, most driveway and walkway damage doesn’t happen all at once. It builds up slowly each winter as water seeps into small gaps, freezes, and expands. That pressure pushes concrete and pavers apart, leading to cracking, flaking (called spalling), and shifting surfaces. 

It’s frustrating because it often looks fine until the thaw hits and then the damage shows up overnight. But the earlier you act, the easier it is to prevent. 

Step 1: Seal Joints Before Frost Hits 

One of the simplest things you can do to protect your driveway or walkway is seal your joints and cracks before winter. It keeps water out and reduces the impact of freeze-thaw cycles. 

If you have a paver driveway, check for spots where joint sand has washed out and replace it with polymeric sand, which hardens to block moisture and weeds. For concrete, use a high-quality sealer that repels water without leaving a slick surface. 

Most homeowners I work with are surprised how quick this job is and how much damage it prevents later on. A few hours of prep now can save you thousands in repairs next spring. 

Step 2: Choose the Right De-Icer 

Not all ice melts are safe for your surfaces. Some products, especially those with harsh chemicals, can cause scaling, discoloration, or even surface pitting on concrete and pavers. 

For Wanaque homes, I recommend sticking with calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or magnesium chloride. Both are effective in low temperatures and are much gentler on hardscape materials. 

At Braen Supply, we stock a full line of safe de-icers for pavers, natural stone, and concrete driveways. It’s easy to overlook this detail, but using the right product can extend the life of your hardscape by years. 

Step 3: Be Smart About Snow Removal 

A lot of winter damage happens during snow removal, not just from the weather. Using metal shovels or plow blades can scratch or chip your pavers, leaving them vulnerable to moisture. 

I always suggest using plastic or rubber-edged shovels and keeping plow blades slightly raised if you’re clearing a paved or decorative surface. And if you’re using a snowblower, be mindful not to scrape the surface too aggressively. 

It’s easy to get caught up in clearing the snow fast, but a little extra care here keeps your driveway looking new much longer. 

Step 4: Don’t Forget Drainage 

It’s easy to overlook drainage, but it can save you a ton of stress in spring. When meltwater has nowhere to go, it seeps into joints and freezes again, worsening the cycle. 

If you notice puddling or icy patches, consider adding gravel borders or adjusting your grading before temperatures drop. Braen Supply carries gravel, crushed stone, and base materials that make these quick fixes simple and affordable. 

Get Ready for Winter with Braen Supply 

Prepping your driveway or walkway now means fewer headaches later. Stop by Braen Supply for everything you need to winterize your Wanaque home: 

  • Concrete and paver sealers 
  • Safe de-icers and rock salt 
  • Snow removal tools 
  • Gravel and drainage materials 

If you’re not sure what products work best for your setup, just ask—I’m happy to help you figure out what will protect your hardscape through another New Jersey winter. 

About the Author

Written in the voice of Braen Supply’s in-house expert persona, Reed Coulter. Coulter embodies the collective knowledge of our team and shares practical, straightforward tips to help landscape professionals make the most of their landscaping and masonry projects – drawing on decades of experiences serving New Jersey and the tri-state area. 

Winterizing Randolph Patios & Outdoor Living Spaces

November in Randolph is that in-between time. Cool days, chilly nights, and the last chance to get your patio and outdoor areas ready before the deep freeze sets in. A few small steps now can save you a lot of work come spring.

1. Seal Pavers and Joints Before the Freeze-Thaw Cycle 

Randolph’s fluctuating temperatures make freeze-thaw damage one of the biggest culprits for cracked or shifting pavers. In my experience, most homeowners don’t realize how much water seeps between the joints until spring rolls around and the patio looks uneven. 

Before that first hard frost, take a few hours to apply a quality paver sealer. It’ll help block moisture and protect the surface from salt and snow. If the sand between your pavers looks low or washed out, sweep in polymeric joint sand to lock everything in place. 

It’s a quick, inexpensive step that can prevent costly repairs later, and trust me, it’s worth doing before the ground freezes solid. 

2. Store Furniture and Protect Grills & Fire Pits 

Outdoor furniture, fire pits, and grills take a beating over winter. Cold air, moisture, and ice can cause rust, cracking, and discoloration. 

I always tell homeowners: anything you can move, move inside. Store chairs, cushions, and small décor in a shed or garage if possible. For larger items, grab a few weatherproof covers and secure them tightly to block out moisture and snow. 

If you have a gas grill or built-in fire pit, shut off fuel lines, clean out debris, and cover them up once they’re cool and dry. It’s easy to skip this step, but it makes all the difference when you’re ready to fire them back up in spring. 

3. Use the Right Ice Melt for Your Patio Surfaces 

Not all de-icers are patio friendly. Some can damage concrete, fade pavers, or harm nearby plants. For Randolph homeowners, I recommend magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). They’re effective at lower temperatures but much gentler on your hardscape surfaces. 

At Braen Supply, we carry a full line of safe de-icers for patios and walkways, including bulk and bagged options so you can prep before the first big freeze. 

It’s easy to overlook which product you’re spreading, but choosing the right one can save your patio surface from years of wear and tear. 

4. Check Your Patio After Winter Ends 

Once the snow finally melts, give your outdoor area a quick inspection. Look for signs of: 

  • Loose or uneven pavers 
  • Cracks or chips 
  • Washed-out joint sand 
  • Water pooling near seating areas or foundations 

A little maintenance in early spring can prevent small issues from turning into major repairs. Most homeowners I work with are surprised how much easier it is to fix these things right away rather than waiting until the busy summer months. 

Get Your Winterizing Supplies at Braen Supply 

Winter in Randolph can be harsh, but a little prep now makes all the difference later. Stop by Braen Supply near Randolph for everything you need to protect your patio and outdoor spaces this season: 

  • Paver sealers and joint sand 
  • Safe de-icers and rock salt 
  • Outdoor covers and snow tools 
  • Gravel and drainage materials 

If you’re unsure what products to use, I’m happy to help you find exactly what works for your setup. Let’s make sure your outdoor space weathers the winter—and looks great when spring returns. 

About the Author

Written in the voice of Braen Supply’s in-house expert persona, Reed Coulter. Coulter embodies the collective knowledge of our team and shares practical, straightforward tips to help landscape professionals make the most of their landscaping and masonry projects – drawing on decades of experiences serving New Jersey and the tri-state area. 

Winterizing Your Yard: Seasonal Landscaping Guide for New Jersey Homes

If you’ve lived in New Jersey long enough, you know our winters can be tough on your yard. Between freezing temps, ice, and heavy snow, your landscape takes a hit if it’s not properly prepped. 

The good news? A little planning and the right materials can protect your investment and make spring cleanup a breeze. I’ve helped plenty of homeowners get their properties ready for winter, and with a few simple steps, you can too. 

1. Protect Plant Roots with Mulch 

Mulch is one of the easiest and most effective ways to guard your plants against cold weather. It acts like a blanket, insulating soil and keeping root systems stable as temperatures fluctuate. 

I like to apply about 2–3 inches of mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials, leaving a small gap around the trunk or stems to prevent rot. 

At Braen Supply, we carry a full range of mulches—from natural brown and black to hemlock—that not only protect your plants but also enhance your curb appeal all winter long. 

2. Keep Walkways Safe with Rock Salt 

Slippery walkways and driveways are no fun for anyone. Stay ahead of the ice with rock salt or ice melt designed for New Jersey’s winter conditions. 

Not all ice melts are the same: 

  • Calcium chloride works in very low temperatures. 
  • Magnesium chloride is gentler on concrete and pet-friendly areas. 

You can order bulk or bagged rock salt delivery anywhere in New Jersey through Braen Supply, so you’re ready before the next freeze hits. 

Pro tip: I always tell homeowners to apply rock salt before a storm when possible. It helps prevent ice from bonding to the surface, making snow removal easier later. 

3. Prevent Flooding with Better Drainage 

When snow melts, poor drainage can lead to puddles, frozen patches, and even foundation problems. If you notice water pooling around your property, it might be time to add a simple drainage fix before the ground freezes. 

Consider solutions like gravel beds, French drains, or catch basins to redirect excess water away from your home. Braen Supply offers gravel, crushed stone, and paver base materials—everything you need for a quick, effective drainage upgrade. 

4. Stock Up on Winter Essentials 

Winter prep isn’t just about plants and paths. Having the right materials on hand makes a big difference once the snow starts flying. At Braen Supply, you’ll find: 

  • Bulk and bagged rock salt & ice melt 
  • Decorative and protective mulch 
  • Gravel and crushed stone for drainage 
  • Snow removal tools and supplies 

Our team’s always ready to help you choose the right products for your property and give you practical tips for how to use them. 

Don’t Wait, Start Winterizing Today 

Winter weather can show up fast in New Jersey, but getting your yard ready doesn’t have to be complicated. By laying down mulch, stocking up on rock salt, and checking your drainage, you’ll protect your landscape and make your life a lot easier come spring. 

If you’re not sure where to start, stop by one of our locations or give us a call. I’ll be glad to help you figure out what your yard needs to handle the cold months ahead. 

About the Author

Written in the voice of Braen Supply’s in-house expert persona, Reed Coulter. Coulter embodies the collective knowledge of our team and shares practical, straightforward tips to help landscape professionals make the most of their landscaping and masonry projects – drawing on decades of experiences serving New Jersey and the tri-state area.