3 Tips For Deicing A Driveway
Do you get frustrated when freezing weather is in your area because it always leads to your driveway becoming icy and slippery? It is not only stressful to park and walk on a slippery driveway, but it can also lead to a bad injury. Slippery driveways can pose an even higher risk for an injury if it is the type that is constructed on a hill. If you are not having any success at getting rid of the ice when cold weather freezes your driveway, there are a few things that should be considered. In this article, you will find a list of ways to make your driveway safer when it is covered in ice.
1. Get a Melting Mat Installed
One of the most convenient ways to get rid of ice on a driveway is by using a melting mat. However, the mat will have to be installed under the surface of the driveway. If your driveway is in bad shape and need to be replaced, getting a melting mat installed when the new pavement is constructed is ideal. Basically, electric wires will be installed beneath the pavement that generates enough heat to melt ice. Keep in mind that a melting mat runs off of electricity.
2. Pour Rock Salt on the Driveway
Rock salt is one of the most common deicer products that homeowners use for their icy driveways. There are numerous types of the salt that can be purchased, and some of them might be more ideal than others. For instance, there are certain chemicals in some deicer products that can be harsher on a pavement than others. No matter which type of deicer it is that you decide to purchase, the product will assist with making your driveway less icy. You can also use the salt before freezing weather approaches in an attempt to prevent ice from forming on the driveway altogether.
3. Start Using the Prewetting Technique
You can use the prewetting technique along with rock salt for greater results. For instance, you can treat the rock salt with liquid calcium chloride to ensure that enough moisture is provided for the salt to create a liquid brine. The liquid brine is what will assist with melting the ice in a timely manner. Calcium chloride is also a great way to generate heat throughout the ice. Keep in mind that calcium chloride is also found in certain rock salt products if you don't want to buy it in liquid form and use the prewetting technique.
Contact a company like GMCO Corporation for more information and assistance.