How to Remove Ice From a Bluestone Sidewalk
A natural sandstone with a bluish tint, bluestone is strikingly unusual when used in stone steps, walkways and patios. When bluestone develops ice in winter, removing it is not as simple as with concrete. Chopping at the ice can destroy the bluestone, and harsh chemical ice melt could stain or corrode it. Take careful steps to clear ice from your bluestone sidewalk to keep it looking nice, yet still provide safe footing for friends and family. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Scrape as much snow as you can from the blusestone sidewalk. Use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one, so you don't scratch or chip the stone. Expose as much ice as you can to light and air.
-
2
Scoop up ice melt pellets made with calcium magnesium acetate and sprinkle them in a thin layer over the icy sidewalk. Calcium magnesium acetate is less corrosive to stone and concrete than other types of ice melt, including rock salt. Allow the ice melt to sit for 15 to 20 minutes.
-
-
3
Use the plastic snow shovel to gently pry up ice pieces. Insert the tip of the shovel into a groove or divot created by the ice melt. Push the shovel blade parallel to the sidewalk to scoop up ice and slush. Never drive the shovel blade straight down to chip up ice because this will scratch and chip the bluestone.
-
4
Sprinkle sand over the bluestone sidewalk once it is clear of ice to provide traction for foot traffic. A light layer works well to break up any remaining ice bits and gives people's shoes some roughness to prevent slipping.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Consider applying a sealer to your bluestone sidewalk to protect the natural color from winter stress.
Shovel away snow as soon as you can after it falls to prevent ice from forming in the first place.
Use the minimum amount of ice melt to do the job; a thicker layer of pellets doesn't melt ice any faster and may have a more adverse effect on the bluestone than a light, thin layer.
Don't use rock salt or calcium chloride ice melt as it will corrode the bluestone.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images
