How to Remove Ice Sheets from a Driveway

Remove any snow from on top of the ice. Use a snow shovel if the snow layer is thick enough to warrant it. Otherwise, a push broom may prove suitable for this. Pile or push the snow to a spot where it will not be able to melt and refreeze on the driveway.

Chip the ice into small, moveable pieces using short, vertical motions with the ice chipper. This may only work if the ice is thick enough to be broken into pieces without damaging the driveway material.

Shovel off any broken, dislodged ice pieces. Use a metal-edged shovel to scrape as much ice off as possible. Do not use a metal shovel against the driveway surface if it could harm the material or proves too strenuous.

Apply a de-icing compound to the driveway surface. There are several de-icing materials available that vary in cost, environmental impact and effectiveness at low temperatures. For example, traditional rock salt, sodium chloride, is inexpensive and highly effective but can corrode or discolor surfaces and may harm nearby vegetation. Salt-free de-icing agents such as calcium magnesium acetate cost more but cause less harm to surfaces and surrounding vegetation.

Check on the driveway several hours following the initial application of de-icer. Remove any loosened ice and apply additional de-icer as needed.