How to Keep a Driveway Clear From Freezing
Air moisture during the night can cause your driveway to freeze, as does accumulated snow. A frozen driveway presents a safety hazard. The car might skid and hit something, such as the garage or mailbox; and walking down a frozen driveway might cause you to slip and fall. Plenty of options can de-ice a driveway once frozen. But rather than worry about de-icing a driveway, consider strategies to prevent freezing. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Ice salt
- Heated driveway system (optional)
- Snow shovel
Please enter your 10 digit phone number only.
A link to this article has been sent to the phone number provided.
Instructions
-
-
1
Apply ice salt if you expect ice or a drop in temperature. Pay attention to the weather forecast, and if the weather report predicts freezing precipitation or snow, apply ice salt to your driveway to prevent freezing. Purchase ice salt from a hardware store, and sprinkle the substance on your driveway and along walkways.
-
2
Install an underground heated driveway system. If you frequently deal with a frozen driveway, consider a heated system installed beneath your driveway. This system keeps the pavement warm during the winter months and prevents freezing.
-
-
3
Steer clear of the water hose during the winter. Using a water hose to spray down your car or house can trigger freezing, because dropping temperatures can cause the water to freeze before drying.
-
4
Shovel snow before nighttime, if possible. After a snowfall, use a shovel to remove the snow and clear the driveway before the temperature drops and the snow freezes. Apply ice salt after snow removal to prevent freezing from snow remnants.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Underground heating systems involve running electrical cables and lines under your driveway. You will need to contact a local electrical/heating company for a price quote.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/BananaStock/Getty Images
