How to Deal With an Icy Driveway Without Salt
Icy driveways are a part of life in areas that suffer harsh winters. Rock salt is often used to remove this ice, but it tends to have disastrous results on cars and the environment in general. There are many alternatives to applying salt, some which must be done before a storm and some that can be done after. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Plastic tarp
- Shovel
- Kitty litter, sawdust or sand
- Salt-free de-icing product
- Heated driveway system
Instructions
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Cover the driveway with plastic tarp before a storm and remove it before the ice has a chance to harden.
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2
Shovel your driveway immediately after a storm, or several times during the storm if it is especially heavy. Thick ice cannot form is snow is not allowed to compact on your driveway.
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3
Apply biodegradeable kitty litter, sawdust or sand onto ice. It will not melt the ice, but it will improve traction enough to safely reach your car or mailbox.
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4
Apply a salt-free de-icing product to your driveway. Check the amount required: Some products require only a handful for several square yards. As the product softens the ice, you can use a shovel to break it apart and remove it.
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5
Have a heated driveway system installed during the summer months. These systems can be expensive and may require an upgrade to your home's power system, but you will never have to deal with ice or snow on your driveway again.
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References
- Photo Credit Karl Weatherly/Photodisc/Getty Images
