How to Melt Ice and Keep Your Concrete Safe

The first snow of 2017 is in the books, and for some, this might have been the first snow in your new home.  With temperatures staying below freezing the past few days, there has been very little melting, or what does melt during the day only refreezes at night.  There are several ways that you can melt ice without harming your driveway, but the #1 thing that you do not want to use is salt!

Salt can cause concrete to become cracked over time, and it can also damage metals that it might come in contact with (patio furniture, door hinges, iron railing, etc.)  Luckily there are several non-damaging deicing alternatives out there.

Cat litter:  Using kitty litter is a great way to provide traction and prevent slipping on icy driveways and sidewalks, however, kitty litter will not help to melt the ice.

Safe Paw:  Benefits of Safe Paw  include: guaranteed safe for pets and children, environmentally safe, won’t harm decking of any kind, safe on asphalt, concrete, and pavers, safe on plants, helps prevents slips and falls, and won’t destroy or stain flooring.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate:  CMA is considered the environmentally friendly deicer that was made specifically for concrete less than 2 years old.  It will not harm any vegetation, lakes, ponds, or streams.

We hope with these non-damaging deicing alternatives, you and your family will be prepared for when the next ice snow storm hits!