icy pavement - PICK YOUR WEAPON

[mattkime]

My parents always used salt growing up so its what I've reached for as well. I do use it sparingly - just enough to get the job done. Nothing more annoying that someone who's avoiding shoveling by throwing down a ton of salt.

HOWEVER, some people choose sand.

Whats your choice and why?

[mikebw]

I suppose sand could provide traction whereas salt will only serve to melt the ice. If you need to get going immediately then sand, but if you have time to wait then salt. Also consider what effect the two will have on the surrounding area (ie. too much salt can kill the ground plants.)

[freeradical]

I live where the roads don't get icy...

[Pam]

No salt. Bad for the dog's paws. I shovel, bust up what I can, and let radiant heat from the sun do its thing.

[raz]

In Pittsburgh we use one of these


Slide under the ice and lift.

[SteveG]

We always referred to sidewalk salt as 'lawyer repellent'.

[kurtzie]

Used as needed depending on conditions:

Scraper
"Salt" - Pet friendly
Chicken Grit - provides more traction, and will stick up from the ice, if there is melt and refreeze conditions.

Steve

[Bernie]

raz wrote:
In Pittsburgh we use one of these


Slide under the ice and lift.

Virginia too.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

There is salt and there are the 'low temp' versions that have CaCl₂2H₂O or MgCl₂6H₂O. There are people that run barefoot in the snow. They have to be careful to avoid locations that use too much of the high powered ice melt. Even plain salt can be a hazard if a cat gets into it and then licks it up when grooming.

[Altered Horizons]

Ash from the fireplace. Provides great traction and helps melt the ice.