How to Clear a Driveway of a Wintry Mix
Denizens of colder climates typically have to deal with the dreaded wintry mix storm at least a few times every winter. This mixture of snow, freezing rain and sleet freezes to driveways and wreaks havoc on busy roadways. To clear your driveway of a wintry mix, remove the loose snow and slush first. Then, use rock salt, chemicals or environmentally-friendly de-icing products to melt the ice that has frozen to your driveway. If you have a medical condition, talk to your doctor first or consider hiring a professional to perform this arduous work for you. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Snow blower or shovel
- Rock salt
- Chemical de-icer
- Gloves
- Acetate-based de-icer
- Calcium magnesium acetate
- Sand or kitty litter
- Anti-icer
Instructions
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Remove the loose snow and slush from the driveway with a snow blower or shovel. Begin removing the snow before the storm has ended. Shoveling lighter amounts of snow and sleet is less challenging than shoveling a foot of snow at a time. If you use a shovel, avoid twisting your back and be sure to lift with your legs. Carry small loads of snow more frequently, rather than fewer, heavier loads.
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Spread rock salt on the icy parts of the driveway. This will melt the ice as long as the temperatures stay above 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Spread a chemical de-icer when temperatures are lower than 12 degrees F. Apply calcium chloride or magnesium chloride over the icy areas. Wear gloves to protect your hands.
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Use an environmentally-friendly de-icer if you have pets or children that might pick up chemicals from the driveway. Some brands, such as those that are acetate-based, market pet-friendly driveway de-icers. Spread these in the same manner as the chemicals. Calcium magnesium acetate is also an alternative de-icer.
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Spread sand or kitty litter on icy areas to improve traction while you wait for the wintry mix to melt.
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Tips & Warnings
Before the next winter storm, spread an anti-icing product on your driveway. When applied directly to the pavement, it helps prevent ice from forming on the driveway.
Avoid piling snow and slush near your foundation. As the wintry mix melts and refreezes, it can cause cracks in your foundation wall or flooding in your basement.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Steve Mason/Photodisc/Getty Images
