How to Treat an Icy Driveway

Figure out where your driveway is. If you know you have a big snowstorm on the way, or you are preparing for cold times ahead, make your deicing procedure easier with a few wooden stakes or driveway markers. Drive several stakes in the ground along both sides of your driveway, using a hammer or mallet.

Choose a deicing material. Rock salt works as a common compound to deice roads and driveways. Otherwise known as sodium chloride, this compound is inexpensive and can be acquired in large quantities. It does not melt ice at low temperatures. Another option is a blend of sodium chloride and calcium chloride. This compound will work at low temperatures, but it must be stored in a dry area.

Scatter the deicing compound on the driveway liberally. Wear gloves to protect your hands from both the cold and the chemicals in the deicing mix. Allow the compound to melt the ice for several minutes.

Shovel the softened ice. Use a heavy-duty shovel with a thin, flat end. Work in small sections, scraping the ice and snow away from the driveway until you hit the pavement. Pile the frozen precipitation on either side of the driveway, using the stakes as a guide. Work with a smaller shovel to scrape ice off narrow walkways or hard-to-reach areas.

Add more salt to the driveway when you finish shoveling. Scatter the compound liberally to prevent more ice buildup. The salt will also provide additional traction for walking or driving.