How to Fix an Icy Driveway- Effective Strategies to Melt Ice Off Your Driveway Fast

SUMMARY

It is essential to have a driveway free of ice and snow for safety and accessibility. There are many ways that people can address the issue, like using water softeners or salt pucks, but these aren’t the best ways to alleviate the problem. Then, what strategies can you use? In this helpful article, we will present the best options to melt ice off a driveway. These strategies are effective and will save you time and effort in the long run.

Fix an Icy Driveway Through Traditional Methods>

Traditional Salt

One popular traditional method to fix an icy driveway is through salting. This effective strategy is easy to implement and incorporate into your ice removal process. First, you should use a shovel to remove any loose snow on top of the ice. This will expose the icy surface and help you apply the salt more efficiently. Next, you should choose the right salt for your needs. Most people commonly choose rock salt, but you can use calcium chloride if you are melting ice off concrete or asphalt surfaces. Lastly, you should wait until the melting process is finished, which can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on how cold and deep the ice is. Once the ice is slushy and soft, you can use a shovel to remove it. Then, you can clean up the leftover salt to prevent damage to your lawn or plants before spring arrives. Salt is highly effective but can cause harm by not following any safety precautions. When you deal with the ice melt, wear appropriate clothing to protect your hands from the salt, and wear footwear to prevent any slips or fallings. Try to keep pets and children away from the salt while it is melting the ice and the salty slush before you get a chance to dispose of it.

Eco-Friendly Alternatives

If you don’t want to deal with salt, other alternatives are just as effective as being environmentally friendly. One solution you can use is sugar beet juice. You can use it to lower the freezing point of ice. It also helps deicers stick to surfaces. It is safe for pets and plants, so you won’t have to worry about harming them if they consume it. Other alternative options that are just as effective are calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), alfalfa meal, coffee grounds, pickle brine, vinegar, and even cheese brine. All of them can be directly applied to the ice to melt it effectively. You can research and determine which one you prefer based on how available those options are in your region.

Innovative Methods to Use on Your Icy Driveway

Another alternative option is utilizing heating options like a heated driveway. This option eliminates the tedious job of shoveling snow and is more convenient. It can also increase your home’s property value. Heated driveways will automatically melt snow and ice, saving you the time and effort of doing it yourself. It might be a great option for an older adult or if you have children since it will reduce the risk of slipping and falling on ice during the winter. It requires little maintenance, doesn’t produce any chemical waste as traditional salting, and can increase the longevity of your driveway since it doesn’t go through the heat-thaw cycle that cracks concrete. Although they have high installation costs, up to $5,000-$20,000, increase energy bills, and can present repair challenges if they malfunction, it depends on your needs and if you are willing to pay the higher costs upfront to reap the long-term benefits it brings.

Manual Shoveling Techniques

Suppose you prefer to do it the old-fashioned way. In that case, these tips will help you increase your efficiency and avoid any injuries you could incur by manually shoveling snow. First, you should choose the right shovel. Perform a warm-up exercise to warm your muscles and ensure you stay bundled up for the cold weather. Use a shovel with nice contoured handles to make it easier to hold. A light plastic shovel might be preferable over a metal one, making it easier to handle and lift. When you shovel, push the snow rather than lift it. When you lift snow, take a small load. This will avoid any back pain from the strain of lifting. Have proper shoveling form like bending your knees when you lift and keeping your back straight. Avoid twisting your body to avoid hurting your spine; reposition your feet instead. As you shovel, you may get absorbed in work and excited as you start making headway, but try to maintain vigilance to avoid slipping and listen to your body if you start feeling tired, dizzy, or have chest pain. After shoveling, you can apply your ice melt.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this information has benefited you, and you’ll feel well-prepared to handle your icy driveway. However, if it comes to large scale projects that require more advanced ice management methods, it is recommended to go with a professional snow removal expert. Don’t compromise your safety to avoid investing in a good quality service with access to advanced equipment. This applies especially if you have a busy schedule, a person more prone to injury, or the job ahead is time-consuming and big. That’s why you need a reliable snow removal service that will prioritize your needs and remove snow quickly. We at Busy Lil’ Beavers possess the skills and resources to tackle even the most challenging snowfall scenarios. Whether you need snow removed from driveways, cleared sidewalks, or accessible parking lots, you can count on us to arrive on time and do the job right. Call us at (574) 900-2759 or contact us to get access to our speedy snow removal services today!