How to Remove Ice From Stained Concrete
Stained concrete can enhance a patio or walkway. However, when ice covers it during the colder months, it is crucial to remove it before it damages or discolors the stain. Shoveling close to the surface can cause chipping, so care should be taken to avoid this problem. With a few simple tips, removing the ice should not be difficult, and the stained concrete will remain looking beautiful.
Items Needed:
- gloves
- snow boots
- warm water
- bucket
- magnesium chloride pellets
- sand
- plastic snow shovel
- push broom
- Put on gloves to protect hands. Put on snow boots, which have have traction on the bottom, to keep from falling while working. Take the plastic snow shovel and carefully remove the top layers of ice and snow. Leave a few inches on the stained concrete so that the shovel does not dig into the surface. This can cause chipping. Using a plastic snow shovel instead of a metal one will prevent scraping of the concrete if it comes in contact with it.
- Fill a bucket with warm water. Carefully pour it over a small section at a time to allow the remaining ice to begin to melt. Take the magnesium chloride pellets and disburse them over the section where the water was poured. Continue the process until the entire area has been treated. Do not use rock salt for this procedure. The magnesium chloride pellets are less likely to damage the concrete, as they work at a lower temperature.
- Allow the pellets to work for a while to melt the remaining ice. Use the push broom to remove any remaining pellets, and to push the melted ice off of the surface area. If another storm is due to arrive, take the sand and apply a thin layer over the concrete to protect it before the snow comes down again. This will make it easier to remove the next bout of ice and snow, and the magnesium chloride pellets may not have to be used again.