What you oughta know before winter weather strikes.
Salt is a good way to keep your walkways and driveways safe and walkablewhen winter weather hits.
But theres a right way (and a right time) to do it.
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Here’s what you gotta know about applying salt to your driveway to prevent slips and falls.
If you didnt manage to treat your driveway ahead of the weather, hope is not lost.
If you’ve hadsnow accumulation, you want to shovel your driveway first before salting.
What Is Driveway Salt?
Most ice melts are blends of the same ingredients: sodium chloride with calcium chloride or magnesium chloride.
How Does Salt Work?
The freezing point of water is 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Much Driveway Salt Should You Use?
Less is more when it comes to ice melt.
Spread it in a thin, even layer using a cup or a garden spade.
Itsnot the best product for vegetationlike your lawn and bushes, he warns.
Also if used too often, you might damage the surfaces over time.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride is also very effective and, according to Manfredini, plant friendlier.
He advises not to over apply.
Instead, use just a thin layer of pellets to treat the surface.
Magnesium Chloride
Calcium chlorideis the safest option for both plants and pets, per Manfredini.
Plus, its effective below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
