Icy Sidewalk Cures

Rock Salt

• Rock salt is one of the most common ways to melt ice on sidewalks, because it is safe to handle and it is less expensive than other deicing treatments. Local governments and communities often dispense rock salt to make roads safer after snowstorms. However, when using rock salt on sidewalks, be aware that this substance can damage plants and grass if it gets into the soil.

Calcium Chloride

• Calcium chloride begins to melt the ice immediately after application and works very well in freezing weather. Because calcium chloride is safe on soil, you don't have to be worried about the substance getting on grass or plants. This deicer is a bit more expensive than other types of treatments and has a tendency to attract moisture, which can damage the concrete on the sidewalk.

Urea

• Urea is made up of 46 percent nitrogen and used as a fertilizer and deicer. This deicer is less corrosive and works in freezing temperatures; it is also five times more expensive than rock salt. While this is an effective way to melt ice on a sidewalk, it does have several disadvantages. Urea has a higher application rate and provides excess nutrients to the grass as well, which will do damage in the long run. However, urea is safe to use around metal and steel structures.

Potassium Chloride

• Potassium chloride is another effective cure for an icy sidewalk and is one of the safest deicers for vegetation. This environmentally safe deicer has a high application rate; however, it can damage concrete. Potassium chloride does not work in severely low temperatures and is significantly more expensive than rock salt.