Here’s How to Control Ice Around Your Home

Removing the ice outside your home is essential for safety. Not just for you and your family, but also for friends and neighbours, and delivery and service people. It will also help protect your home from potential damage. Follow these tips to stay safe and control the ice around your home.

Removing Ice from Driveways

Ice on driveways is a major cause of not only slips and falls, but also automobile accidents. If your driveway is inclined it can be especially perilous, as vehicles can slide forward into your home or garage, or backwards out onto the street. Calcium chloride ice melt, driveway salt, and other melters can be used to remove the ice. Use a salt spreader to ensure even application to all areas.

Removing Ice from Paths and Walkways

Again, driveway salt or various ice melts can also be used on paths and walkways to prevent someone from slipping and falling on an ice patch. Be sure to do a thorough job, as some patches of ice can be hidden to the eye.

Removing Ice from Your Gutters

It's important to remove ice from gutters, as failure to do so could cause ice dams and eventually, roof damage. The best way to remove an ice dam is to pour hot water directly overtop until it can be easily pulled away. You should not use chemicals or heavy tools, such as picks, to remove ice dams as these methods could damage your roofing.

Removing Ice from Your Roof

Removing snow and ice from your roof will help prevent ice dams from forming in the first place. The best method is to remove it after each snowfall using a snow rake with an extension. You can also add insulation to your attic to keep heat from escaping through your roof, which is the primary cause of ice dams. Another solution is to install de-icer cables on top of your shingles. Safety Note: do not go on your roof to clear snow!

Ice Melts

There are various types of ice melting products available. However, the chemicals in these products can pose a threat to pets (yours and your neighbours’). If pets are an issue consider pet-safe ice melts, or try a DIY solution of hot water with a bit of dish soap and vinegar.

Using Salt to Remove Ice

Rock salts are a good solution for areas where temperatures rarely get below -15 degrees. For temperatures lower than that, a product containing calcium chloride will be more effective.

Traction Aids

Traction aids are great for removing ice from smaller areas where you will be walking regularly. They can also be used to help vehicles when stuck on slippery pavement. Make sure to spread the traction aid material liberally across the surface you want to clear.

Ice Preventers

The best way to keep from slipping on the ice is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place. Ice preventers are applied to surfaces before a winter storm hits. They can be sprayed wherever needed up to 48 hours before a storm, though the closer to the snowfall the better.

Salt/Ice Melt Spreaders

A salt spreader is a tool that sprays out the salt or ice melt onto your walkways, driveway, and other areas. It has an internal reservoir and handle, much like a wheelbarrow, and can be pushed wherever needed. Various sizes are available, so you’ll want to choose a salt spreader that holds enough material to cover the areas you need in as few trips as possible.

Ice Cleats

Ice cleats are a great way to help prevent falls, especially for those who work in outdoor areas that may not be treated with ice melt. They feature metal spikes, or cleats, that can be attached to boots, shoes, or other winter footwear. The cleats dig into the ice as you walk to create better traction. It’s a good idea to use ice cleats when working outdoors, shoveling snow, or applying ice melt.

Icy paths and driveways are inevitable. You won’t be outside shoveling and de-icing in the middle of a snowstorm. With regular maintenance and the right tools and products, you can keep your property safe through most of the winter.