The winter season is a time when many people are affected by snow and ice. Subzero temperatures cause water to freeze on sidewalks or stairs, which often leads to dangerous situations. Therefore, it pays to take measures to effectively and quickly remove ice from the surfaces we use. Some people use salt, but it turns out there are better ways to help get ice and snow off your steps and driveway.
How to remove snow and ice from stairs? Forget the salt
Sprinkling icy surfaces with salt has been practiced for a very long time. This is a fairly effective method, but it turns out that it can contribute to the damage of stone or concrete stairs. Long-term use of salt can cause cracks in the surface, leading to the need for expensive repairs.
Using salt to remove ice from stairs can also have a negative effect on our shoes. This applies especially to shoes made of natural leather – in their case, the material can deteriorate very quickly. In addition, excessive salt concentration in the soil is not very beneficial for plants. In addition, salt also damages car tires – so using salt on your driveway is also not a good idea.
The best ways to deal with icy steps and driveways. Use sand or… ash
What should we use to remove ice from the steps and driveway? It is best to focus on ways that will be safe for the icy surface, our shoes and car tires.
One of the popular methods is the use of sand. Although it will not melt the ice, it will ensure a good grip. For this reason, it is good to sprinkle it on stairs and driveways. Similar effects can be achieved with ash.
Some people also use calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. They have excellent grip on ice and are not harmful to shoes or car tires. Many people also stock up on special mats that can eliminate the risk of slipping when installed on outdoor stairs.
Sprinkle salt on icy steps? That’s a bad idea. There is a better way. Snow and ice will melt in an instant
