Icy Sidewalk

In much of the country, winter weather is setting in and snow removal is on peoples’ minds.  Snow removal should be done before there is a lot of traffic on your sidewalks to prevent the buildup of ice in the footprints left behind.  There are many types of snow removal equipment, but what if you’ve waited too long and ice has started to form on your walks?

Chemicals sold in hardware stores can be spread along sidewalks and driveways to melt the ice.  Salt is the most commonly used chemical, but there are other solid and liquid chemicals that can be used instead of snow removal equipment.  The downside of using salt and other chemicals is that they can degrade concrete and other metals.  Chemicals can also have damaging effects on pets and nearby watersheds.

Sand can also be spread on top of ice to add traction for pedestrians and cars.  Sand works well when the ice is solid and formed, but if it continues to snow, the benefit of the sand below the new snow is lost.  After the snow and ice melt, sand on sidewalks can also be slippery, so be sure to clean the walkways of excess sand in the Spring.

If the snow is light, a broom can easily be the only snow removal equipment needed.  However for wet, heavy snow, removal equipment should include shovels and snowblowers.  Even your teenagers can be useful for snow removal.  If your efforts at snow removal fail, use chemicals or sand on your walkways to avoid slipping on the snow and ice.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthill/311237239/)