Despite winter’s beauty, the snow and ice make roads, driveways, and sidewalks more dangerous. Luckily, there are many snow removal services and products available to prevent ice accumulation. By understanding the pros and cons of each, you can decide which is best for your needs.

Different Types of De-Icing Strategies

1. Chemical Solutions

Rock salt is one popular solution that’s effective at melting snow and ice in temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also been shown to corrode the concrete underneath and is harmful to plants and animals. For colder areas, calcium chloride is effective up to -25 degrees Fahrenheit and doesn’t damage concrete as much, but it’s also harmful to surrounding plant life. Another option is potassium chloride. While it doesn’t work as quickly as the other options, it is less harmful to the environment.

2. Adding Traction

Adding traction doesn’t necessarily melt the ice away. Instead, it provides additional traction to mitigate the slickness of the ice. Cover the road, sidewalk, or driveway with sand, wood chips, or straw before a snowstorm hits. This layer gives pedestrians and drivers a better grip so they can more easily avoid accidents. These options can sometimes be unsightly and will require cleanup after the snow and ice melts.

3. Snow Removal Services

Removing snow quickly helps prevent ice from building up at all. For smaller areas, shoveling suffices, use a plastic-tipped shovel to avoid damaging the driveways or sidewalks. Other equipment like snow blowers and plows effectively remove the snow and prevent icing without the strain of doing it manually.

 

If you need help keeping your driveways or sidewalks clear of ice, schedule ice and snow removal services with the experts at Mark Cromley Septic Service in Lewisburg, PA. As one of the area’s premier septic companies, they offer more than septic tank maintenance and excavating services. Their team also specializes in keeping residents safe with snow removal offerings. Schedule a consultation by calling (570) 524-0249 or learn more online.