How to Clear an Icy Sidewalk

Clear icy sidewalks using a combination of mechanical and chemical removal techniques.

Icy sidewalks are a common wintertime inconvenience, and a hazard, in cold climates. Snow and ice must be removed from driveways, sidewalks and other walkways promptly to prevent dangerous walking and driving conditions. In fact, many municipalities have ordinances requiring homeowners or business owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within a given period of time after a snow event. Physical removal of snow, as well as pretreatment with a chemical deicer, will help to prevent ice formation. If ice is already present, clear it away using some combination of chipping, shoveling and treatment with a deicer.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Ice chipper
• Chemical deicing compound

Instructions

1. Remove snow from the sidewalk using a shovel. This will allow easier access to any ice below. Regular, prompt snow removal will also limit the amount of melt that can refreeze on the sidewalk.

2. Chip at the ice gently with the ice chipper if the ice is thicker than about 1/2 inch and you can crack it with minimal force. Avoid striking the sidewalk too hard, as this can damage the sidewalk surface.

3. Shovel any chipped ice off the sidewalk.

4. Sprinkle a deicing compound evenly on the ice. There are many common and alternative deicers to choose from. These range from the traditional sodium chloride, which is inexpensive and highly effective but corrosive, to urea fertilizer to the relatively expensive, highly effective and less environmentally harmful calcium magnesium acetate.

5. Shovel the ice once it begins to melt or break up. Wedge the tip of the shovel blade under the ice and shove.

Tips & Warnings

• To make a chemical deicer go further, mix it with an abrasive substance such as sand, kitty litter or ash.

• Sprinkle deicing compound on the sidewalk before snow events. This will prevent ice formation and bonding with the sidewalk surface to some extent.

References

• Vermont Agency of Natural Resources; Deicing Strategies for Safeguarding Both Guest and the Environment; Doug Kievit-Kylar
• Utah State University Cooperative Extension; Deicing Compounds and Utah Landscapes; Rich Koenig, et al.; February 1999
• City of Minneapolis; Take Advantage of Warmer Weather to Clear Your Sidewalk of Ice and Snow; January 2011