Best Practices for Ice Prevention

Not to sound like a total idiot, but what do you think is the “proper” way to prevent ice on: A) Sidewalks B) Masonry steps I’m a lifelong apartment dweller facing my first big storm as a townhouse owner. I see people mentioning salt vs calcium chloride vs brand name products. I want to make sure I’m keeping things safe without ruining our steps. The shoveling part I’ve got down.

economush

in Sidewalks 10 years and 9 months ago

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argylerd | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Kitty litter tracked in the house willdamage your wood floors. It’s great for getting a car ouit of an icy parking spot.

364house | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Used Sand on both stoop and sidewalk.

no-permits | 10 years and 9 months ago

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i’d put anything on regular concrete sidewalks and painted steps, but i’m a little more careful on steps. if it’s brownstone steps, i usually just shovel it without putting salt or calcium chloride unless it’s very icy.

BobMarvin | 10 years and 9 months ago

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I usually use calcium chloride, but could only find rock salt-sodium chloride – yesterday. I’ll use it sparingly on my sidewalk. I already bought cheap non-clumping cat litter to use on the new concrete in my areaway and would use the same on my stoop if I were to clear it (but I wouldn’t- only use the gate under the stoop in this weather – an advantage of having a one family house 😉

economush | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Thanks, resident2. Found this link, in case anybody else comes across this thread looking for advice: http://www.nylandmarks.org/programs_services/technical_assistance/projects/dont_salt_your_steps_winter_technical_tips/

resident2 | 10 years and 9 months ago

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Salt is very corrosive, it does a good job of melting snow & ice but also eats your Brownstone, concrete etc. It is cheaper. But Calcium chloride does a lot less harm to your property. There seems to be shortage of Calcium Chloride this year, so read the labels very carefully, there is a lot of salt mixed with calcium chloride out there this year.