From chemical deicers to shoveling to heated mats and cables, there are lots of ways to manage snow and ice. But some are more effective than others and vary in their environmental impact. Learn which method is best for your home or office.

With the onset of winter and some heavy snowstorms ravaging the Northeast, snow and ice removal counts among the most common pet peeves of home and business owners. You have a variety of options at your disposal, but which one is right for you? Here’s a few to consider:

1.) Chemical Deicers

A topical treatment for sidewalks, walkways and driveways, deicers are typically sprinkled over ice to encourage melting. Not all work as well for cooler temperatures, however, and some can cause problems for pets and plants.

Sodium chloride, or rock salt

Rock salt is easy to apply and performs well at melting snow and ice when temps are above 20° F. However, it’s the least environmentally friendly option of the chemical deicers and:

• Corrodes concrete.
• Damages plants it comes into contact with.
• Irritates your pets’ paws and skin.
• Requires cleanup and reapplication with the next snowfall or freeze.

Calcium chloride

Calcium chloride is a bit less harsh than rock salt, and it works faster and in below-zero temps (as low as to -25° F). It’s also considered less harmful to concrete. But like sodium chloride, it:

• Can damage plants if too much is used.
• Must be cleaned up and reapplied at the next snowfall.

Potassium chloride

Potassium chloride is a slightly better choice than the deicers above for protecting your landscaping and nearby vegetation. Its effectiveness falls between the two in terms of temperature, at 12° F and above. But potassium chloride:

• Works a little more slowly than other chemical deicers.
• Requires cleanup and reapplication with new snowfall or ice.

Calcium magnesium acetate

Calcium magnesium acetate is safer for concrete and the environment than the other chemical deicers above. But it

• Doesn’t work as effectively below 20° F.
• Must be cleaned up and reapplied when snow falls or ice forms again.

Naturally derived deicers

Deicers made from natural products, sold in many hardware and pet stores, are good options if pets’ paws and the least environmental impact are your main concerns. However, they:

• May be more expensive than some of the other deicing options
• Require cleanup and reapplication with subsequent ice or snow.

2.) Traction

Some homeowners opt out of chemical applications entirely and choose simple physical traction on snow. And unlike deicers, these products work immediately and at any temperature to help people and vehicles move over slippery hardpack snow and glossy ice. But they come with their own drawbacks.

Sand

Sand provides a grippy surface, and while it’s technically a natural product, as a rock material, it doesn’t break down easily. It can persist in the environment and:

• Travel into storm drains, leading to clogs and affecting local water systems.
• Track into your home and can damage wood floors and carpets.
• Look unsightly and require cleanup.

Wood chips or straw

Wood chips and straw are better environmental choices than sand, because they will eventually decompose and have less impact. They also provide more solid footing on top of ice and compacted snow and are easier to clean up. However, wood and straw:

• Can look unsightly and will need to be cleaned up.
• Don’t melt ice, just provide traction.

3.) Mechanical Force or Physical Labor

Depending on the amount of snow and ice your area receives, your time limitations and your ability to tackle physical chores around the house, you may want to consider powered – or manual – options to remove snow and ice, or hire someone to do this for you.

Snow removal machines and equipment

Snow removal machines, like snow blowers and tractors, are available in many sizes to accommodate various space and labor needs. Automated, they can remove snow fairly easily. But these machines come with their own drawbacks. Snow removal machines:

• Require investment in specialized equipment that will require storage for the rest of the year.
• Need annual maintenance.
• Require fresh fuel, which must be replaced periodically, even when not in use.
• May not be effective on ice, so additional deicers or tools may be needed.

Shoveling

For DIYers, shoveling may seem like the least expensive option and requires just you and a shovel. And while shoveling may provide a good chance to burn calories for regular exercisers, the American Heart Association cautions that shoveling heavy snow may increase risk of heart attacks for some. Shoveling also:

• Is the most time-consuming and labor-intensive way to remove snow.
• May also require deicers or an ice pick or other tool to remove ice or compacted snow.

4.) Heated Walkways & Driveways

If annual snow blower maintenance, lugging bags of sand or bales of straw, or using chemical deicers seems arduous, there is an easier way that requires nothing but a onetime installation: heated walkways and driveways. These systems are increasingly popular options to combat snow and ice.

Because new concrete is required, you’ll want to plan ahead for an install well before the temps drop and the snow begins to fall. Some systems can be installed on top of existing driveways, and others are best for brand-new surfaces. Learn more about how we can design and install a heated walkway or drive.

Our Recommendation

For simple, worry-free snow and ice removal, mats or heating cables appear to offer the best all-around option. Easy to install, effective and efficient, the heated surface provides an attractive, environmentally friendlier choice that will leave you free to enjoy the best of winter – either outside, or from within the cozy confines of your home. Contact us today to learn more about installing one this spring.

Want more tips about how to get the most out of an electric heating system, or how we can help design and install one in your own home? If you have any questions or would like a free estimate, contact us 800-278-7856.