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Keeping Patios and Sidewalks Ice-Free.  Hint:  Rock Salt Bad

1/17/2014

2 Comments

 
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Editors Note:  This is becoming an annual repost, but for anybody who wants to protect their hardscaping investment, I think it's more than relevant.  I've seen way too many sidewalks, walkways and patios ruined or compromised because of poor winter-proofing habits.  Take a few basic precautions as follows:

It’s approximately 30 days until pitchers and catchers report to spring training.  That countdown is what gets me through the winter.

But in the mean time we have to survive the cold temperatures and most likely a fair amount of ice and snow.  And so does your hardscaping.

I get asked all the time what the best way is to keep walkways and patio surfaces ice-free during the winter months.  No matter what the surface material is, just a little bit of ice or compacted snow can really be a safety hazard.  Even a well-shoveled surface can become slippery quickly as the surrounding snow melts and re-freezes.  Something needs to be done.

But first, what not to do.  Remember these three words:  “Rock Salt, Bad.”  Sure it’s relatively inexpensive, and yes, it does keep the walkway ice-free.  But it also will destroy nearly any hardscaping surface.  Rock salt, or sodium chloride to be more precise, is extremely corrosive.  It will cause mortar joints to deteriorate, cause flagstones to flake, discolor bricks or stones, eat away at concrete, and potentially harm nearby vegetation.  And it’s bad for the overall environment.  And it can wreak havoc on your four-legged friends’ paws.  To summarize again, “Rock Salt, Bad.”

There are however a number of alternatives that can help keep walkways safe without harming the hardscaping, your pets’ health, or the environment. 

Most hardware stores, home centers, and even pet stores will sell some version of “chloride-free” de-icers.  The active ingredient in these products is generally Calcium Magnesium Acetate, or “CMA” as it’s sometimes referred.  A 20-lb bag typically runs in the neighborhood of $20, -- yes, it is slightly more expensive, but considering how you’re saving that big ticket patio you just had installed, a few extra bucks is well worth it.  There’s a number of CMA-based products out there, and they’re often marketed as pet-friendly de-icers.  Just ask your local supplier what they have available, and be sure to stay away from the chloride-based products.

And speaking of pets, another chloride-free alternative is good ol’ fashioned kitty litter.  Kitty litter does lack some of the ice-melting qualities of CMA-based products, it tends to work a little slower, but it is inexpensive and provides welcome grit and traction to any icy surface.

Basic sand is another inexpensive, environmentally-friendly alternative.  And since that dry-set paver or brick patio was swept with sand upon completion anyway, it certainly won’t hurt things as the snow disappears come spring.

Of course, there’s also my favorite strategy – keep your fingers crossed for a mild winter and repeat this mantra, “pitchers and catchers, pitchers and catchers, pitchers and catchers…”  Spring training (and warmer weather) is getting closer by the day!  In the mean time, stay warm and stay safe.

2 Comments
Mark
2/9/2014 10:06:31 am

I love Barn-Grip, 50 pound bag about $3.00 Lime Stone - Calcium carbonate. Sure does the best job on ice. It won't melt one thing. But you won't slip on you butt when your walking around.

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Concrete company columbus GA link
10/27/2022 09:46:01 pm

Can you recommend any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Thanks!

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC is a full-service landscape construction company servicing the Pennsylvania communities of Delaware County, Chester County, The Main Line, and the University City, Art Museum, and Manayunk/Roxborough neighborhoods of Philadelphia.  In addition to this blog page, additional information regarding the company and our services can be found on the subsequent pages of the site.
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    Clark Linderman is the president of Clark Kent Creations, LLC, a landscape construction company based in Swarthmore, PA.  He is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.  In addition to his passion for all things outdoors, he counts Michigan football, Phillies baseball, Superman memorabilia, Memphis R&B music, and good craft brews among his many interests.  He currently resides in Swarthmore with his wife, Sheila, two sons, his dog Krypto, and a really, really messy garage full of work supplies and toys.

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    Clark Kent Creations, LLC
    Swarthmore, PA
    Design and Construction to Maximize Your Outdoor Experience

    707-290-9410
    clark@clarkkentcreations.com
    Serving Delaware County, PA

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