What Pre-Treatment Can Be Done to Keep a Steep Driveway From Icing?

Spray an anti-icer one to two hours before the cold precipitation begins. An anti-icer is a liquid salt that comes with a pressurized sprayer that you use to spray directly on your driveway. Spray a thin layer according to the label directions.

Sprinkle a de-icing salt product if it's already begun to snow and ice has started to form to prevent your driveway from further icing and freezing and to begin the melting process sooner rather than later. There are many de-icing products available, but calcium chloride works to minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit and is less toxic than some other substances. Magnesium chloride and potassium chloride also are less toxic than other salts, but are more effective in areas with warmer winters. Start at the bottom of a steep driveway and sprinkle in front of you as you walk up toward your house to provide the maximum amount of traction.

Sprinkle a more environmentally responsible and pet-friendlier de-icing product, such as calcium magnesium acetate, or a product marked salt-free, often found in pet stores, if desired. Sprinkle as soon as it begins to snow or to ice up to start the process of de-icing and prevent the driveway from freezing over. Again, begin sprinkling your de-icing product at the bottom of your steep driveway, working your way forward up the slope.