Better Options to De-Ice Your Driveway

De-icing a driveway is a task that no one looks forward to. Some of the products on the market can be harmful to the environment and can require a lot of work. There are several things you can do to make this task easier and friendlier.

Salt tends to be the standby product for de-icing a driveway. While this can work, it can wreak havoc on your yard, the driveway itself and the planet. There are other ways you can de-ice your driveway that aren't as time consuming and are much healthier for the planet.

Use Sand

Sand works in a similar fashion as salt, is cheaper and is much better for the environment. For the best results sprinkle sand down before the temperatures drop to a freezing level. This will keep some of the ice from forming to begin with. Once the ice starts to form sprinkle some more sand down. This will slow down the rate at which water freezes and will make it easier to shovel the ice out later.

Use the Right Shovel

Consider investing in a snow shovel that is designed to transfer your body weight to the actual shovel. These shovels are easy to use and will help you remove the ice from your driveway much more efficiently.

Calcium Magnesium

Look for products that contain calcium magnesium instead of chloride or other salt products. This isn't the best alternative, but it's better for the environment than salt and works just as well. Sprinkle this down at the first signs of a freeze to prevent some of the ice from forming, and apply some directly to the ice to melt it faster.