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Deicing

by Jenny
(Winona Lake, IN)

Q. What is the best way to remove snow and ice from a concrete sidewalk? We just had it poured on 10/29/08 and live in IN where it could snow any day. I've heard that putting rock salt on it to make it safe and not slick could cause damage to the surface. We did have a sealer put on it, and were advised not to put salt on it for up to one year. What can we do to make it safe for this and upcoming winters?

A. You should avoid putting salt on for now because the concrete is not fully cured and will be very susceptible to damage. It's not actually the salt that damages the concrete, but freeze and thaw cycles. Putting salt down creates many more freeze and thaw cycles which is concrete's worst enemy. Make sure the concrete has a good sealcoat on it. When it snows, shovel it and put sand down for traction. If salt must be used, then sweep the salt off as soon as the ice melted.