If you live in an area that’s affected by snow and ice when winter comes, you know the perils you’re dealing with. Slick conditions can make driving difficult, plus winter comes with frigid temperatures that are brutal to be outside in. And for those who have to deal with snow, shoveling and snowblowing (with the required maintenance) are some of the worst aspects of the season.
But before the weather turns bad, you may get a forecast that alerts you to a storm closing in. When that happens, you have the chance to prepare for the winter storm. One of the best ways to potentially save your driveway and the area around your house is by putting down salt and snow melt. These can prevent ice from building up and make it easier to shovel.
But before you use any this winter, there are some points you need to know that could protect yourself, those around you, and your property.
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It’s okay if snow comes first
But you want to get the ice out of there
If you’re surprised by a storm, it’s okay. However, you aren’t going to get anything out of your snow melt if it already snowed a lot. While snow melt does what its name states, you need to clear the snow first for it to work.
Snow melt and salt are most effective against thinner layers of ice and snow; it works too slowly to get through thicker snow. If you couldn’t get it down ahead of the storm, there could be a layer of ice on your driveway and sidewalks as you’re shoveling or snowblowing.
“Salt” refers to rock salt, which is sodium chloride. Snow melt is a number of different chemicals, which often include calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride.
If that’s the case, do the best you can to safely remove the snow. You can apply snow melt afterward to help clear away the last layer of ice and snow.
When you can apply snow melt early, do it. This will minimize the amount of snow and ice that can stick to your driveway, making it easier to clear the next time. While it won’t stop ice from forming at all, it will greatly reduce how much can actually stick.
Apply it sparingly and spread it out
You don’t have to use a lot
If you’re driving down the street before a snowstorm, you’ll likely see a ton of salt on the road. Rock salt is a cheap solution, which is why it’s used by many cities. That early salt on the road is meant to be a barrier for that area. But it’s also intended to be picked up by car tires and spread more widely.
This is because you don’t need a lot of salt for it to do its job. You can spread it sparingly, rather than concentrating it highly in specific areas. You don’t have to dump a lot of salt on your walkway; you can sprinkle it with a shovel and get the desired effect.
For another method, you can even put it into a spreader to distribute it more evenly. However, you may use more than you want if you do this, so it’s important to calibrate the settings for your spreader.
When you’re deciding how much to put down, do so based on the square footage of the area you’re covering. A shovel or a handful of salt is enough per square yard. That may not seem like a lot, but it will do the trick.
If you have pets, be cognizant of what you choose
If your backyard looks like the above during the warmer months, with a dog roaming around, you have to be careful what you’re putting on your driveway when the temperature drops. Rock salt, while more inexpensive than snow melt, is dangerous for dogs. It can cause chemical burns on their paws and is toxic if ingested.
You may not remember to look between their paw pads for bits of salt, which can cause irritation and become infected, especially if your dog licks at them. Licking can transfer the salt to their mouth, where it might be accidentally ingested, causing potential digestive issues.
When looking for options for your driveway, look at the labels of different snow melts. Some are specifically labeled as “pet-safe”, as they will not be a chloride compound. They will likely have ingredients such as urea or calcium magnesium acetate, which are safer for dogs to interact with.
However, this can be bad news for your driveway and walkway, as pet-friendly formulas aren’t as effective at melting ice that’s already been on the driveway. They are still good to use as a precursor to an ice storm, though. You can also opt for sand if you’re just hoping for better traction in the area, as that isn’t as damaging to dogs’ paws.
If your dog has walked over any of these substances, it’s important to wash their paws immediately when they come inside. This will minimize the chances of irritation setting in and causing more issues. Pets should enjoy smart home devices made for them instead of crazily licking their paws at every turn.
Sweep it up when the ice is gone
You don’t want it sitting on your driveway
After the storm is over and the ice and snow have melted, you don’t want salt and snow melt to sit on your driveway. They can potentially corrode your driveway, causing cracks in the surface. Your pavers are at risk as well, so your walkways should be cleared.
While these additions to the ground can make them less dangerous to walk or drive on, they aren’t meant to stay there forever. If they remain on your driveway and walkway, they could be carried to your lawn or your plants, which could then affect the vegetation with salt poisoning.
You’ll also want to keep them away from storm drains to protect wildlife in your area. If you can scoop up the salt again, you might even be able to save it for future use, saving you money in the long run. This is an important winter task that many people don’t think much about until it actually happens.
Know how much and what kind of substance to use for a storm
There are different products you can use when it comes to keeping your driveway and walkway protected during ice storms. Salt is effective and cheap, but hazardous for dogs and the surfaces you’re putting it on. Snow melt can be pet-safe, but it also shouldn’t remain on your driveway long after a storm because of its potential corrosive nature and how it can affect wildlife.
Putting a lot of salt and snow melt doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to clear away ice faster. Spread it evenly and enjoy safer travels.