Can I use a snow blower on stamped concrete in NB?

Yes, you can use a snow blower on stamped concrete -- but use a model with plastic or rubber-edged augers rather than metal, and keep the auger slightly above the surface to avoid scratching and gouging the textured concrete.

Stamped concrete has a textured surface with relief patterns (stone, brick, slate, wood grain, etc.) that create raised and recessed areas. Metal auger edges on a standard snow blower can catch the raised edges of the stamped pattern, scratch through the sealer coat, chip corners of the pattern, and over years cause progressive surface damage that is expensive to repair. The sealer on stamped concrete is particularly vulnerable -- once the sealer is scratched through in areas, those spots will stain, absorb moisture, and deteriorate faster than the sealed areas.

Two-stage snow blowers with rubber auger paddles are the safest choice for stamped concrete. The rubber paddles flex and conform to the texture rather than grinding against it. Single-stage electric or battery snow blowers also typically use rubber or plastic paddles and are gentle on decorative surfaces.

For the chute and auger height setting: keep the auger set to ride just above the concrete surface rather than in contact with it. A small amount of snow left on the surface is fine -- you can clear the last 1/4 inch with a rubber-bladed pusher shovel. Trying to get the blower all the way down to bare concrete increases the risk of contact damage.

What NOT to use on stamped concrete in NB winters:

• Metal-bladed shovels -- chip edges and scratch the surface


• Steel ice chippers -- very high risk of chipping stamped pattern elements and cracking the sealer


• Sodium chloride (road salt) -- damages the sealer and causes freeze-thaw scaling underneath


• Gravel or coarse aggregate for traction -- scratches the surface and is difficult to clean out of the pattern

For traction on NB stamped concrete, use fine sand or kitty litter. Both provide grip without damaging the surface. Sweep off thoroughly once ice and snow conditions clear to prevent staining.

If chemical de-icing is absolutely necessary for safety on stamped steps or landings, use CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) -- it is gentler on concrete and sealers than chloride-based products.

Inspect your stamped concrete sealer every spring for areas where the snow removal season has thinned or damaged the sealer coat, and plan a resealing application in May or June before the summer entertaining season. Regular resealing every 1-2 years keeps NB stamped concrete looking good and protected despite our demanding winters.