Is Deicer Good For My Driveway?

Deicers are chemicals which act as a thinner between the pile of snow or ice and the surface it covers and not completely to melt it away. After the deicer loosens the ice, manpower should be used to sweep or shovel off the ice so it won’t re-stick to the surface.

The damage thought to be left by the deicer on concrete driveways isn’t fully caused by the chemical, but rather, it plays a good role to making it happen. The damaged surfaces are commonly caused by the repetitive cycle that occurs when water residue from thawing the snow enters the cracks or pores of the concrete and then freezes and expands, exerting force on the pores that cause flaking. The effects can be reduced by applying sealant to the concrete area concerned; this should be done in the fall to save some time for the sealant to seep in the concrete. If the problem is persistent, make sure the manufacturer’s instructions are followed and use deicer sparingly.

Deicers do not deserve all the blame on this, the suggested mixture for concrete sidewalks and pathways typically require extra ordinary cement concentration with minimum water into the mix. This should’ve been enough to withstand damage from deicers and any thaw-and-freeze cycle for many years, while any improvised mixture may leave the pavement vulnerable to various other elements like contact with other chemicals and not just thaw cycles.

Snow-melt products do not commonly contain harsh chemicals that damage properly-made asphalts or concrete, though traction chemicals may contain harsh substances that contribute a great deal in damaging poorly-made concrete.

Other factors also contribute a great part in regards to how a deicer damages asphalt and concrete, asides from the quality of the pavement, the damage may also be caused by too much deicing solution or too often use of it.

The use of deicers actually reduce our need to turn to abrasives which poses a greater risk to our environment, while most deicers usually dissolve when they run off to bodies of water, abrasives actually threaten plants, water sources and air quality.

If thoroughly analyzed, deicers can be used without showing any greater risk, rather than slipping on a coat of ice and having your elbow break the fall. If the pavement or the driveway is the main concern, sealants are recommended to prevent future or further damage, if it’s with regards to lawn and plants, most deicers are designed to partially melt snow and not plantations so there will be very minimal damage to vegetation.

Let us help with your snow removal and deicing this winter season. Call 303-994-4421

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