Deice Your Sidewalks and Driveways Without Damaging the Concrete

As a property owner in NYC, you might worry about the ice and snow buildup on your driveways and sidewalks in the winter season. Under the NYC Administrative Code, if snow stops between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., the property owners have 4 hours to remove it. Similarly, if the snow stood between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., the property owners would have 14 hours to remove it. However, if the snow stops between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m., the property owners have until 11 a.m. to clear it.

For safety reasons, property owners must Repair Sidewalks and driveways adjacent to their properties and provide an easier pathway for pedestrians to move from one place to another. However, one thing that you must keep in mind is that using the right deicing materials is the key to keeping your sidewalks safe from damage. In this article, we will tell you about some tips related to the type of deicing materials that you should use instead of salt-based deicers.

Drawbacks of Using Salt-Based Deicers

Salt mixtures are a popular material used for the deicing of snow and ice on sidewalks and driveways. However, these salt-based deicers cause sidewalks, driveways, steps, and patios to deteriorate and get damaged. 

Fortunately, you can use fewer hard chemicals as an alternative to the salt-based de-icers. By using less harsh chemicals, you will be able to preserve your sidewalks for the long term.

Alternatives of the Salt-based Deicers

Following are a few deicing treatments that you can use and get effective results if you use them with care and according to the given instructions.

Calcium Chloride

Among all the common deicers on the market, research shows that calcium chloride is the least harmful material for concrete. Moreover, it is the most effective in melting the ice, even at temperatures as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Calcium chloride generates heat as it dissolves and melts the ice and snow. However, using corrosive metals can not only damage the plants but can also leave behind a slimy residue. 

Urea

Urea is used for fertilization and is quite effective in treating slick surfaces. It does not contain any chlorides and is safer to use on concrete. However, it only melts the ice and snow at temperatures lower than 15 degrees Fahrenheit.

Using too much urea can have an adverse effect on the plants and the water supply of the community. Therefore, you must be very careful while using it. 

CMA (Calcium Magnesium Acetate)

The main compound present in CMA is vinegar and you can use it in different concentrations. You can use it to unthaw snow and ice and make it easier for pedestrians to navigate your driveways and sidewalks in the winter.

Using CMA can be beneficial as it doesn't have any adverse impact on concrete or vegetation. One thing about CMA is that it doesn’t work below a temperature of 20 degrees.  

Heated Driveways and Sidewalks

Other than the use of chemicals, there is another amazing option for you to ensure that your sidewalks don't have snow or ice buildup. You can install heated driveways and sidewalks. Heated sidewalks or driveways either have electric heating coils or hydronic tubes.

These heating elements help keep sidewalks and driveways free from ice and snow. With the help of heated driveways and sidewalks, you don’t have to worry about removing ice from your concrete structures and damaging them.

Snow-Melting Mats

As we all know, metal shovels can be as harsh on concrete as chemicals. By installing snow-melting mats, you will not have to use any deicing materials or shovels. These mats have powerful heating elements and heat-resistant rubbers, which allow them to melt the snow in one or two hours. 

Conclusion

This winter, you must take great care of your sidewalks and driveways by using less harsh materials for deicing. Moreover, you can also invest in snow-melting mats and melt the ice in a few hours. Another amazing way to melt the ice is by installing heated sidewalks. If you are thinking of installing new sidewalks, you can opt for more reliable, heated sidewalks. Here is where Eden Sidewalk Repair NYC can help you. We are providing installation services for premium heated sidewalk and driveway installations. You can reach out to us today and get a FREE quote from our professionals.