Deicing Alternative for Icy Surfaces

This time of year, there is often a need to address hazardous icy driveways, sidewalks or porches. When the next big snow or ice storm hits, be sure to follow Chad Tolle's, our Director of Customer Care, advice regarding the removal of packed snow and ice covering: Avoid salt and chemicals when deicing porches, sidewalks and driveways. This includes Calcium chloride, Magnesium chloride, Deicing fluid and all other associated chemicals. These chemicals can penetrate, corrode and disintegrate concrete. Rock salt (Sodium choloride) releases the highest amount of Chloride ions when it dissolves. These ions can pollute water supplies such as rivers, streams and lakes. They can also corrode metals on your vehicles and prove to be skin irritants. Imagine the damage caused to new landscaping and sod. Tolle recommends evade all use of chemicals and take an alternative method of using sand. Sand acts as a traction assist and not as an actual deicer. Look for sand that has less dust content to ensure respiratory irritants are not later released into the air through the dust. Use minimal amounts so as not to cause clogging issues with drainage and sewer systems. For more alternatives check out these Eco Friendly Deicing Options. You may want to contact our Customer Care team prior to using one of the listed options. Check out our last blog post about avoiding frozen pipes. Visit Ideal Homes to learn more about our company, products and communities.