After you clear your driveway - whether you use a snow blower or a shovel - ice will form. Using de-icers can prevent this; we recommend chemical de-icers for the best effect, but you should always read the manufacturers\u2019 instructions to ensure they\u2019re right for your driveway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s the short answer; for the long answer (and just about everything you need to know about de-icing), keep reading! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
As you shovel or snow blow your driveway, the snow melts, leaving behind a thin layer of water. This is caused by the pressure, friction, and heat from your shovel or snow blower; radiant heat on a sunny day can also contribute to melting snow. Of course, if you\u2019re shovelling snow, it\u2019s probably below freezing outside; that means water doesn\u2019t stay liquid for very long. The melted snow will quickly freeze, causing ice to form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An icy driveway is a dangerous driveway, both for people and vehicles. Once you\u2019re done shovelling, you should take steps to prevent ice from forming!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chemical de-icers lower the freezing point of water to the point that ice cannot form. The water on your driveway will then run off or evaporate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are a number of different chemical de-icers on the market; the most common one is rock salt<\/strong>, which is made of sodium chloride, table salt. Rock salt can lower the freezing point of water to around -21\u00b0C, but on your driveway, it will be hard to reach the level of salt saturation necessary to achieve that freezing point. Practically, rock salts usually only work well to about -10\u00b0C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some climates, traditional rock salt is fine as a de-icer, but here in Winnipeg, it\u2019s often a good idea to use stronger stuff. Here\u2019s what you might consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of these de-icers has its own advantages and disadvantages; affordability is a big consideration, and it\u2019s worth it to monitor sales on some of the more effective de-icers. Many chemical de-icing products use a combination of two or more de-icers (including non-chemical de-icers); most manufacturers will tell you the effective temperature range of the product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Use chemical de-icers immediately after shovelling for best results!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-chemical alternatives to de-icers don\u2019t melt ice; instead, they create traction, helping boots and wheels move across icy areas without slipping. There are several different non-chemical de-icers available; sand or sawdust are typically the most effective. Other alternatives, like kitty litter and coffee grounds, will do in a pinch - but they tend to leave more of a mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-chemical de-icer alternatives are more environmentally friendly than their chemical counterparts (which can harm animals and corrode driveways), but they\u2019re also less effective. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sand, gravel, sawdust, or any other traction-boosting non-chemical alternative to de-icing is a great way to keep your driveway safe after the snow falls. These non-chemical alternatives are best if you have a concrete driveway; chemical de-icers tend to damage concrete more than they damage asphalt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regardless of the type of driveway you have, you want to avoid using chemical de-icers too often; a mix of sand for traction and chemical de-icers to get rid of ice is typically best. Apply the chemical de-icer first, then apply the sand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Non-Chemical Alternatives<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY Driveway Ice Prevention Tips After Snow Clearing<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Using Sand Or Gravel For Traction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Installing Heated Driveways<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n