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What should I put on my driveway in the winter?
By Product Expert | Posted in Tips & Tricks on Friday, January 8th, 2021 at 2:56 pm
Advantages and disadvantages of salt vs sand on your driveway
Winter is in full motion now and there is some debate on what to put on your driveway to keep it from staying icy. We go through the different options of sand or salt to help you choose which option may be best for you.
The pros and cons of using salt
Rock salt is great to spread around on ice because the mineral lowers the freezing point of water. This helps keep roads, driveways and sidewalks from getting icy and melt away ice that has formed. Salt works best in temperatures above 12 degrees. One of the downsides of salt is that it can be harsh on the grass and eat away at the concrete. Our suggestion is to use the mineral on a less frequent basis as possible.
Sand pros and cons
While sand does not melt ice, it creates traction on surfaces at any temperature which gives it a leg up to salt. Since sand does not melt ice though, it is only effective on top and will need to be reapplied if there is more snow in the forecast. Since sand may collect into drains or drainage areas, it could cause issues down the road. The best type of sand to use is sandbox sand since mason’s sand is too fine.
Other alternatives
If you are looking to use other abrasive materials, alternatives include sawdust, wood ashes or cat litter. The best solution is to always prevent ice buildup the best you can and shovel or use a snowblower after every storm.
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