Clearing Icy Sidewalks

[flip_it_fast]

With all of the ice and snow we have been dealing with so far this winter where I live we have had to use a lot of salt on the sidewalks and driveways. There are several different types of salts that are safe for different surfaces.

Rock salt is the most commonly used product. It is relatively safe for use on concrete but it is ineffective in temperatures below 22 degrees. It is also unsafe for vegetation.

Potassium chloride and urea are fertilizers that are felt to be safe around vegetation. Urea does not contain any chlorides so it is safer for concrete with rebar and around steel structures.

Calcium Chloride will melt ice at temps -25 degrees. It is quite effective but costs a lot more and when used heavily it can leave an oily residue.

Acetates such as sodium acetate are enviromentally friendly, non-corrosive and biodegradable.

There are tons of choices when it comes to de-icers. You have to know what elements may be effected by using certain types and decide from there.

[homealone]

I cant believe how often our sidewalks have had to be cleared. The snow is falling and it doesnt seem like there is going to be an end to it.

Thanks for the information reguarding the different types of salt. I honestly never really gave much thought to it, I always grabbed the first bag of salt I find and just use it. Now this is going to give me something to think about. Maybe I should be using something different.

I know at the garage where my hubby works the drive way to the building is quite steep and narrow. At this time of the year it can be very difficult for people wanting work down on their cars to get up there. They prefer not to use salt on the drive way because they say it can ruin the cement. So maybe something that you have listed here will be better for them to use. Right now they are using I believe sand or something like that. I could be wrong about this but I know whatever they are using its not salt... So again thanks the useful information, I will be sure to pass it along.

[Eyeofngt]

I am so glad we do not have to worry about doing that here..LOL I would hate getting out in the cold to clear driveway.

I do not like cold weather. Give me the spring and fall anyday to winter. I feel sorry for those that live in areas that get alot of ice and snow.