Creating Hardscape Solutions for Cold Climates: A Winter Survival Guide
When you think about hardscaping, your mind likely drifts to warm summer days and beautiful outdoor spaces. But for those in cold climates, designing a hardscape that can survive the harsh winter months is equally crucial. From freezing temperatures to ice, snow, and notorious freeze-thaw cycles, hardscapes face unique challenges that can lead to costly repairs if not planned for properly.
At ROMEX, we understand that hardscape solutions must be more than just aesthetically pleasing—they need to endure extreme weather conditions and work with water not against it, managing its journey through and out of the paving system. Let’s explore how to build a resilient outdoor space that stands the test of winter, and why ROMEX products are built for the challenge.
The Freeze-Thaw Cycle:
Hardscapes Worst Enemy
One of the most damaging forces to outdoor surfaces in colder climates is the freeze-thaw
cycle. This process occurs when water seeps into tiny cracks and pores in pavers or joints,
freezes, and then expands. Over time, this cycle of expansion and contraction can cause
materials to crack, shift, or deteriorate. If you’ve ever noticed cracked concrete or uneven
pavers after a harsh winter, the freeze-thaw cycle was likely the culprit.
The RDH Building Science Test:
Real-World Durability
To see how well ROMEX hardscape materials can withstand these extreme conditions, RDH Building Science conducted a freeze-thaw test on our RSG (ROMEX System Guarantee). This system is a combination of our TRASS BED paver bedding, ADHESION ELUTRIANT thin set and one of our jointing products. In this rigorous procedure, a 12”x12” sample of RSG was subjected to 50 freeze-thaw cycles—essentially simulating the harshest weather conditions you might encounter over multiple winters.
The result? No visible decay in the paver units, jointing, bedding, or thin set. While other systems might show cracks, erosion, or failure after several freeze-thaw cycles, ROMEX materials remained intact, proving their ability to handle the toughest conditions.
Why ROMEX Stands Out:
TRASS BED Technology
One key to our product’s resilience in cold climates is our TRASS BED paver bedding, which contains up to 50% void space. This design is crucial for freeze-thaw resistance because water trapped in the system has plenty of room to expand when it freezes. With water only expanding by about 10%, the 50% void space offers ample room for this expansion without causing materials to blow out or crack. This unique feature ensures that your hardscape stays strong, even in the depths of winter. Having a hard time believing us? Check out these ROMEX projects That have held up over several harsh winters.
Canada Place | Simon Fraser University | Richmond International Trade Center
Conclusion:
A Cold-Climate Solution That Lasts
Creating a hardscape that can survive cold climates requires careful planning, the right materials, and expert installation. The results from RDH Building Science’s freeze-thaw testing demonstrate our solutions, particularly the RSG system and our TRASS BED technology, are built to withstand the worst that winter has to offer.
With ROMEX, you get more than just beautiful hardscapes—you get peace of mind, knowing your investment will stand strong through all seasons, year after year.
