With the dramatic changes in temperatures – snow is melting to ice. What can you do to make your property safer?
Here are some questions to provide some insight.
Should I put ice melt down before snow?Ice melt should be applied before precipitation freezes or immediately after clearing snow. Shoveling the slush layer from walkways after the ice melt has done its job not only makes the walk safer, but also helps reduce concrete damage from water absorption and excess thaw/refreeze cycles.
Is ice melt OK for driveways?Rock Salt Ice Melt Is Not Safe For Asphalt.While rock salt doesn’t directly destroy asphalt, it does make asphalt’s nemesis, freeze/thaw cycles, much worse. Also, rock salt is poisonous and environmentally harmful. Unfortunately, both animals and small children like the taste of salt.
How do I keep my driveway ice free?Tips to keep your driveway and sidewalks ice-free while minimizing the environmental impact:
- Shovel Early, Shovel Often.
- Apply Salt Sparingly.
- Avoid using Kitty Litter and Ashes.
How do you melt snow fast in your yard?The easiest and cheapest method to get rid of snow is to use a DIY mixture and hot water. To prepare it, combine half a gallon of hot water, six drops of liquid dish soap, and two ounces of rubbing alcohol in a bucket. When you pour the mixture evenly on your driveway or sidewalk, the snow breaks up right away.
Does kitty litter melt ice?Using kitty litter is a great way to provide traction and prevent slipping on icy driveways and sidewalks; however, kitty litter alone will not help to melt the ice.
Should I put a tarp on my car before snow?No one likes digging out the car after a storm, so if you have a moment before the snow starts, put a tarp or car cover down over your car. When the snow stops, one pull will leave your ride clean and snow-free.
Our thanks to the following for their input:
- EMC Insurance
- Safepaw
- Rockville, MD
- Edenapp
- NIBlockhomes