How to Clear an Icy Sidewalk

Icy sidewalks are a common wintertime inconvenience, and a hazard, in cold climates. Snow and ice must be removed from driveways, sidewalks and other walkways promptly to prevent dangerous walking and driving conditions. In fact, many municipalities have ordinances requiring homeowners or business owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within a given period of time after a snow event. Physical removal of snow, as well as pretreatment with a chemical deicer, will help to prevent ice formation. If ice is already present, clear it away using some combination of chipping, shoveling and treatment with a deicer.

Shovel
Ice chipper
Chemical deicing compound

Instructions

- 1
  Remove snow from the sidewalk using a shovel. This will allow easier access to any ice below. Regular, prompt snow removal will also limit the amount of melt that can refreeze on the sidewalk.
- 2
  Chip at the ice gently with the ice chipper if the ice is thicker than about 1/2 inch and you can crack it with minimal force. Avoid striking the sidewalk too hard, as this can damage the sidewalk surface.
- 3
  Shovel any chipped ice off the sidewalk.
- 4
  Sprinkle a deicing compound evenly on the ice. There are many common and alternative deicers to choose from. These range from the traditional sodium chloride, which is inexpensive and highly effective but corrosive, to urea fertilizer to the relatively expensive, highly effective and less environmentally harmful calcium magnesium acetate.
- 5
  Shovel the ice once it begins to melt or break up. Wedge the tip of the shovel blade under the ice and shove.

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