How to Treat Ice on Sidewalks and Driveways

Dealing with ice on sidewalks and driveways can be frustrating and dangerous. But with the right preparation and tools, you can make them safe. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to treat ice on sidewalks and driveways.

Why Ice Treatment is Important

Ice buildup on sidewalks and driveways creates hazardous conditions. People can easily slip and fall, resulting in injuries. Icy surfaces also make it difficult to walk and drive safely. Treating icy areas helps mitigate risks by:

Improving traction and preventing slips and falls. Melting ice or creating traction with salt/sand gives better footing.
Allowing easier access for pedestrians and vehicles. Clearing ice enables people to walk and drive without obstruction.
Demonstrating responsible property management. Treating ice shows you care about safety.
Reducing liability. Ice treatment helps prevent injuries that may lead to lawsuits or insurance claims.
Enhancing aesthetics. Removing icy buildup improves curb appeal during winter.

How Ice Forms on Sidewalks and Driveways

To treat ice properly, you need to understand how it forms in the first place. Ice on paved surfaces occurs primarily through two mechanisms:

1. Freezing of melted snow/ice

During the day, sun exposure and salt melt snow and ice on sidewalks and driveways.
At night, temperatures drop below freezing and cause meltwater to refreeze as ice.
Cycles of melting and refreezing create thick, uneven ice layers.

2. Freezing rain/sleet

Precipitation falls as liquid but freezes on contact with cold pavement.
Ice coats surfaces evenly and can be difficult to see and treat.
Low temperatures cause sustained buildup over time.
Freezing rain often leads to more hazardous “black ice.”

Knowing the source of ice allows you to take preventive measures and treat it more effectively.

Preparing for Ice Treatment Season

Proper preparation well before winter hits helps ensure your ice treatment efforts go smoothly:

Gather Supplies and Tools

Stock up on ice melt products, deicers, scrapers, and applicators. Having ample materials on hand means you can treat ice promptly and not run out.

Ice melt – Sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, or blended products.
Deicers – Acetates like potassium acetate or sodium acetate.
Applicators – Broadcast spreaders, walk-behind spreaders, handheld seed spreaders.
Scrapers – Sturdy plastic or metal for removing thick ice.

Assess Surfaces

Evaluate sidewalks, steps, ramps, and drives. Look for problem areas prone to excessive icing like areas in shade or low spots. Address issues:

Patch cracks/gaps.
Improve drainage.
Trim overhanging trees/bushes.
Seal concrete surfaces.

This reduces icing and makes treatment easier.

Create an Ice Removal Plan

Map out areas to maintain and decide which ice melt products to use where. Make a schedule for checking and treating surfaces. Coordinate duties with others.

Effective Ice Treatment Techniques and Products

When icy conditions strike, you need to know how to combat buildup swiftly and safely. Use these best practices:

Remove Snow First

Plow, shovel, or blow away as much snow as possible from surfaces before ice forms:

Shoveling is most effective for small areas. Use an ergonomic shovel.
Snow blowers work well for larger sidewalks and drives. Look for two-stage models.
Plows are ideal for big lots and commercial properties. Hire a professional service.

Removing snow prevents packed ice formation. It also gives salt/ice melt direct contact.

Apply Deicers Early and Often

Treat surfaces proactively at the first sign of ice:

Deicing – Coating surfaces before ice forms to prevent bonding.
Anti-icing – Applying product when snow starts falling to inhibit accumulation.
Frequent light applications work better than infrequent heavy ones.

Reapply regularly to stay ahead of icing as needed. Deicers should not get plowed off.

Select the Right Deicing Product

Factor temperature, environment, surfaces, and usage when choosing:

Rock salt (NaCl) – Inexpensive, fast acting down to 15°F (-9°C). Can damage concrete over time.
Calcium chloride (CaCl2) – Works down to -25°F (-32°C). Less damaging but more expensive.
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) – Effective to -13°F (-25°C). Less corrosive to metals.
Potassium chloride (KCl) – Works to -12°F (-24°C). Lower toxicity than sodium chloride.
Acetates/organic – Non-corrosive, effective to -15°F (-26°C). More expensive but eco-friendly.
Blended mixes – Combine properties of different salts. Offer versatility.

Match the deicer to the specific ice removal situation. Read labels carefully.

Apply Correct Amounts

Follow product instructions for proper application rates. Using too much won’t melt ice faster but will waste material:

Spread evenly across surface area. Don’t pile in one spot.
Aim for under 1/2 inch (1 cm) thickness.
8-12 ounces (240-360 ml) per square yard is typical.
Adjust as needed based on re-freezing speed.
Avoid over-treating high-traffic areas.

Calibrate spreaders to help use appropriate amounts.

Spread Deicers Evenly

Distribution method impacts results. Get uniform coverage to melt ice thoroughly:

Broadcast spreaders – Best for large areas like drives and parking lots. Easy to use.
Drop spreaders – Provide control for spreading on sidewalks, steps, and ramps. Prevent waste.
Handheld seed spreaders – Useful for smaller jobs. Allow precision spreading pattern.
Shoveling/pouring – Labor-intensive but useful in a pinch for small patches.

Check settings and calibration to verify spread pattern. Wear ice grippers to walk safely.

Give It Time to Work

Deicers don’t activate instantly. Apply early and allow 15-30 minutes for melting effects:

Rock salt – 10-20 minutes typically.
Calcium chloride – 5-10 minutes.
Magnesium chloride – Within minutes.
Acetates – 15-30 minutes.
Reapply if ice starts reforming before fully melted.

Proper materials, amounts, and distribution coupled with sufficient dwell time provide optimal ice melting.

Remove Slush and Re-freeze

Once ice initially melts, remove any slush and re-freeze:

Slush refreezing creates bumpy ice that is hazardous.
Shovel, scrape, sweep, blow, or plow away slush.
Carfully pour hot water over remaining ice patches to melt entirely.
Reapply a thin layer of deicer to prevent bonding of meltwater.

Use Sand for Traction

If deicers alone aren’t providing enough traction, apply a gritty material top-layer:

Sand gives temporary grip but doesn’t melt ice.
Use coarse sand grains that won’t blow away easily.
Avoid fine powders like ashes that can cause slippery surfaces.
Reapply sand as needed after plowing or shoveling.

Combine with salt or calcium chloride for added effectiveness.

Leverage the Sun

If possible, delay treatment until sunshine can assist:

Sunlight helps melt ice, especially darker areas that absorb heat.
Salt activates faster in sunlight.
Clear away any shade-causing obstructions.
Choose sunnier areas to start treatment.

Let the sun provide free additional melting power when available.

Treating Specific Surfaces and Structures

Icy buildup demands different approaches on various paved areas:

Sidewalks

As community property, keep neighborhood sidewalks safely passable:

Monitor for thick ice or uneven slick spots.
Apply deicer evenly across entire width, not just down the middle.
Shovel or blow snow off fully before ice compacts.
Watch for heavy pedestrian traffic areas that require extra treatment.
Communicate with nearby homeowners and businesses about coordinated maintenance.

Steps and Ramps

Stairs and access ramps pose slipping hazards and demand priority:

Check steps and handrails for icy patches.
Lightly coat entire stair and ramp surfaces with deicer before freeze.
Sprinkle sand on treads for temporary traction as needed.
Pay special attention to step edges and landing areas.
Ensure proper drainage to avoid refreezing of meltwater.

Driveways

Keep residential drives passable for vehicles and people:

Clear snow with a plow or snow blower before treating ice.
Watch for thin black ice formation.
Apply deicer across entire width, not just tire tracks.
Reapply salt after removing slush or wet snow.
Pour hot water to melt ruts and thick ice.

Large Parking Lots

Commercial lots require efficient, thorough treatment:

Begin deicing high traffic areas first – entrances, cashier lanes, disability spaces.
Plow accumulated snow before heavy ice compacts.
Spread salt systematically across entire lot using broadcast equipment.
Increase application rates in shady areas and around building edges.
Melt thicker ice buildup with calcium chloride additives.

Drainage Areas

Poor drainage contributes significantly to icing:

Identify areas where water pools and refreezes.
Use sand and gravel fill to create positive grade and improve runoff.
Ensure drain grates, culverts, and catch basins are clear of debris.
Flush out storm drains before winter and after ice storms.
Check gutters and downspouts for proper drainage.

Ice Treatment Safety

While chemicals and equipment make removing ice easier, they come with inherent hazards:

Use Proper Gear

Wear slip-resistant boots with good traction and gloves to protect hands. Outer layers and headwear prevent hypothermia. High visibility vests aid visibility if working near traffic.

Practice Safe Spreading

Check behind while spreading to avoid slips. Don’t overfill spreaders—heavy loads increase strain. Bend knees to scoop salt/sand to avoid back injury.

Avoid Skin Contact

Limit exposure of bare skin to deicers which can cause irritation and dryness. Wash hands after handling. Wear eye protection when pouring.

Dress for the Weather

Bitter cold accompanies winter icing. Know signs of hypothermia and frostbite. Take breaks in warm areas and hydrate.

Watch for Refreezing

Melting and refreezing creates hidden black ice. Apply additional salt/sand to prevent slick areas.

Drive and Walk Carefully

Travel slowly and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Wear ice grippers and carry deicer if walking distance.

Environmental Considerations

Deicers can negatively impact vegetation, pets, wildlife, and water systems if misused:

Protect Landscaping and Grass

Excess salts leach nutrients and cause desiccation damage. Minimize use near plants and sensitive vegetation. Opt for calcium magnesium acetate where possible.

Prevent Pet Ingestion

Dogs licking paws after walking through melted deicers can get sick. Rinse off paws after outdoor activity. Provide fresh water for pets.

Keep Out of Waterways

Chloride-based salts increase sodium levels in streams and lakes. Contain runoff and use appropriate amounts. Sweep up leftover material.

Choose Eco-Friendly Options

Look for biodegradable, non-toxic products derived from agricultural sources like beet juice or corn syrup. Though costlier, these are more earth-friendly.

Homemade Emergency Deicer Recipes

If you unexpectedly run out of ice melt, make your own with common household items:

Vinegar-Dish Soap Spray

1 part vinegar
1 part water
Drop of dish soap
Spray liberally on ice patches

Alcohol-Water Mix

2 parts isopropyl alcohol
1 part water
Apply with mop or sprayer

Beet Juice Deicer

1 gallon water
8 oz beet juice concentrate
1 tsp liquid soap
Use directly or dilute further

Sand-Ash-Kitty Litter

Equal parts:
Sand
Wood ash
Cat litter
Sprinkle as needed

These work in a pinch but are less effective than commercial deicers. Reapply frequently.

When to Call a Professional

Some icy situations exceed a homeowner or business’s capabilities. Seek professional assistance for:

Large commercial lots needing special equipment.
Hazardous overhead ice like icicles.
Thick ice layers requiring power scraping or chipping.
Dangerous drainage issues causing recurrent icing.
Steep driveways or walkways difficult to treat safely.
Liability concerns wanting certified contractors.
Lack of proper tools, gear, or physical capability.

Don’t risk injury or create legal liability. Professionals have specialized tools, products, and training.

Ice Prevention Tips

Stopping ice before it starts is the best approach:

Stay vigilant about weather forecasts during freeze-thaw cycles.
Begin preventive anti-icing treatments early.
Improve drainage and grading to minimize water pooling.
Insulate vulnerable pipes and outdoor faucets.

-Redirect downspouts and gutter runoff away from traffic areas.

Trim overhanging tree limbs to allow sunlight.

Conclusion

Removing ice on sidewalks and driveways takes work but pays dividends in safety. Following these best practices will help you treat ice successfully and efficiently:

Prep equipment and buy supplies before winter.
Understand how ice forms to treat properly.
Remove snow first before it becomes packed ice.
Monitor conditions and apply deicers proactively.
Match products to weather and surface type.
Spread evenly and allow time to activate.
Sand adds temporary traction but doesn’t melt ice.
Focus on high-risk areas first – steps, ramps, slopes.
Mind environmental and safety hazards of deicers.
Supplement with professional services for large or risky jobs.

Be vigilant and consistent for clear, ice-free sidewalks and driveways all winter long. Stay safe out there!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the fastest way to melt ice on sidewalks?

The quickest and most effective way is to apply calcium chloride deicer. It begins working in 5-10 minutes. The rapid melting action helps clear sidewalks promptly.

2. Is kitty litter effective for melting ice?

Yes, kitty litter can serve as an emergency deicer. The crushed clay absorbs moisture and provides traction. Sprinkle generously over ice and sweep away slush after melting. It’s less effective than salt-based options but handy in a pinch. Avoid clumping types.

3. What homemade mixture melts ice the longest?

A homemade deicer made with 2 parts isopropyl alcohol plus 1 part water provides sustained melting. The alcohol lowers the freezing point, allowing meltwater to stay liquid longer before refreezing. Reapply when ice starts to reform.

4. What should you put on black ice?

“Black ice” is a thin, clear layer often hard to see. For these slippery spots, spread calcium chloride or magnesium chloride that melts at lower temperatures. Sprinkle abrasives like cat litter or sand on top for immediate traction before ice fully melts.

5. Where should salt be placed when deicing?

Apply rock salt, calcium chloride, or other deicers across the entire surface area rather than piling heavily in one spot. Distribute it evenly for consistent melting effects. Allow the sprinkled layer to work, then reapply as needed in thin layers.

6. Can you use table salt to melt ice outside?

Yes, standard table salt (NaCl) works as a deicer. It’s typically finer than rock salt, so it may need to be reapplied more often. Make sure table salt doesn’t contain anticaking agents which can reduce effectiveness or create slipperiness.