Does Sand Work for Melting Ice on Concrete Driveways?

About Sand for Icy Driveways

• Sand itself does not melt ice. As an abrasive, it does provide traction on slippery surfaces. Although it does not lower the freezing point of water like deicing compounds do, it is generally much more affordable than chemical deicers. Because of this affordability, sand may be ideal for large application areas, portions of the driveway where there is little foot traffic or for mixing with a deicing compound. Sand can be mixed with a deicer at a ratio of 50:1 and broadcast freely.

Deicing Materials

• There are several chemical deicers available to home and business owners. Common deicing salts include sodium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Another deicing agent is urea, which is synthesised from carbon dioxide and ammonia and more commonly used as a fertilizer. Calcium magnesium acetate is a salt-free deicer made from acetic acid and dolomitic limestone. This agent is a useful, though expensive, option for areas that are very environmentally sensitive.

Effects of Deicing Salts

• Deicing salts, unlike abrasives, can damage concrete, metal and other surfaces as well as nearby landscape plants. High levels of salt can cause physiological drought and lead to the accumulation of excessive levels of sodium and chloride in plant tissue. Plants may suffer from stunted growth, leaf or needle discoloration and twig die-back. Apply deicing salts prudently to avoid damaging vegetation. Remove as much snow and ice as possible with a shovel or scraper before applying deicers. Mix a small amount of deicer with a much larger amount of an abrasive to minimize expenses and environmental impact.

Additional Abrasives

• Besides sand, there are other abrasive materials commonly available and used either by themselves or in combination with deicing salts. These abrasives include kitty litter and ash or cinders. Dark ash also captures more heat than light-colored materials and forces faster snow and ice melt. However, ash and kitty litter can be very messy if tracked indoors, so they may be most suitable for areas of low traffic or portions of the driveway not near the building entrance, or they should be used with a mat placed near the doorway. Although abrasives have minimal negative impact on the environment, they can accumulate in the landscape.