Discussions

Looking for suggestions for our icy driveway and sidewalk.  
 
Recently spent a lot of money repaving our driveway and I don't want to put sidewalk rock salt on it. What do others use to melt ice on driveways/sidewalks that doesn't damage the cement?

My husband will shovel and then sweep it right down to the pavement. One sunny day and it's bare and dry, no salt necessary.  
 
Putting a bit of sand or cat litter down in the meanwhile for traction would work.

Use fertilizer. Works great and I end up with thick green grass around my sidewalk in the summer. WIN WIN

Beet Juice. Major cities use it on their roadways as do some companies in Brandon.

i use Half Alcohol and Half Windshield washer fluid...Ice is gone right now !!

Hello,  
We are in the exact same situation - thousands of dollars of new cement....  
Any chemicals will destroy cement, especially when used again and again. We found something called "ECO TRACTION". It is volcanic matter, all natural, no chemical composition. It is great for traction for sure, but unfortunately, it does not actually melt the ice. We are not willing to knowingly destroy our investment, so we use the Eco Traction generously. You can buy it in large bags and the bag is green and purple and black.  
 
Edited by bethechangeyouwanttosee, 2016-02-15 11:49:57

we tired this and it works great,safe for dogs and also helps the grass.Home hardware has it. Be careful using fertilizer, bad for dogs and if you use to much may burn the grass

I know you Jim, you could not waste alcohol!!,

HotDog1 said "I know you Jim, you could not waste alcohol!!, "

Methyl Hydrate maybe is the better term i should have used...