How to Clear an Icy Driveway

An icy driveway can be not just an inconvenience but a dangerous condition, generally warranting prompt treatment. Whether the ice accumulation is the result of a single freezing event or an ice layer formed following a snowfall and subsequent freeze-thaw cycles or compaction, the ice can be cleared with a combination of efficient and well-timed manual removal methods and applications of a chemical deicing compound.

Snow shovel, snow blower or push broom
Ice chipper
Metal shovel (Optional)
Deicing compound

Instructions

- 1
  Remove as much snow from on top of the ice layer as possible. Thin or patchy snow may be removed with simply a push broom while heavier accumulations warrant the use of a snow shovel or snow blower. Be sure to pile cleared snow where it will not be able to melt, return to the driveway and refreeze.
- 2
  Chip the ice, if it is thick enough and the driveway surface will not be damaged, with short but firm vertical strikes against the ice with an ice chipper.
- 3
  Shovel any dislodged ice pieces off of the driveway. If it will not harm the driveway surface, consider using a metal shovel to scrape the ice.
- 4
  Sprinkle a thin layer of deicing compound, such as rock salt or calcium magnesium acetate, onto the driveway, concentrating the application in areas with the thickest ice and in areas that see heavy foot traffic.
- 5
  Check on the driveway several hours after the initial deicer application. Remove any loosened ice and reapply additional deicer as needed.

How to Get Out of Ice & Snow on a Driveway

How to Salt Melt an Iced Driveway

Snow Removal