Rock salt is a cheap and traditional way to keep ice from hardening on your home’s pavements. However, many alternatives exist out there that pose a lower risk to your landscaping and can be just as cheap. Best of all, most of them add some friction to your walkways, driveways, and patios, so you’re less likely to ever slip. Here are the top alternative deicing products to try out next time it gets icy.

What Are the Alternative Deicing Products?

Sand

The right sand will sit on top of any ice on your driveway or walkway and give you enough traction to keep from slipping. It will not melt ice or snow, but it does help prevent slips and falls. Traction sand is the best kind for the job; you can find it at your local home improvement store.

Kitty Litter

Kitty litter is another good option, but it is vital to get a non-clumping version, such as one made of silica gel. Otherwise, it will absorb moisture and turn mushy and sticky. Non-clumping kitty litter will act similarly to sand, helping create traction under feet and car tires.

Sawdust

Another great way to add friction is sawdust. If you are into woodworking or DIY home improvements, keep your spare sawdust. You can also buy sawdust in a bag. Sprinkle the sawdust on the ice once you have cleared the snow, and walk with more confidence.

Wood Ash

Are you burning some logs in your fireplace on the coldest winter days this year? Collect your wood ash and sprinkle it on the icy pavement. Not only does it help create traction underfoot, but it also is healthy for your lawn and garden.

Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds may also be healthy for the garden in various ways, such as a slug killer and earthworm food. They are also great for traction, too, and helpful in melting the ice in the sun due to their dark color.

Garden Fertilizer

Another plant-safe option is plant fertilizer. However, the most effective fertilizers to use will be urea-based, calcium chloride-based, or salt-based. Urea and calcium chloride alone are also deicers.

Hot Water

Pour boiling water directly onto an icy spot on your driveway or walkway and watch the ice disappear!

Receive Asphalt Paving Services with Tri-State Paving

Call Tri-State Paving. We’re a seasoned asphalt pavement company based in Maryland and have the experience and knowledge to help you turn your backyard into the perfect retreat quickly and affordably. Our experts will work with you to find a design and layout for the outdoor kitchen and dining area that you’re sure to love for years and years to come.

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West Chester: 610.563.9456

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Tags: alternative deicing products, asphalt care, winter asphalt maintenance

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 at 6:28 pm and is filed under Asphalt Paving. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.