As we continue to have winter storms producing snow and ice, we want to remind everyone to use safe practices when removing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks. We all know the statistics regarding the health risks of shoveling snow, from slips and falls, to back injuries, to heart attacks. So, don't wait until the storm is over to start your snow removal activities. It is easier to shovel 3 inches of snow four times, than to shovel 12 inches of snow all at once. Wear appropriate footwear to reduce risk of slipping. Wear layers of clothing to help keep you warm when you start and allow you the opportunity to shed layers as you work and start to sweat. Use proper tools, whether a shovel or a snow blower, for your property. If using a shovel, don't try to overfill the shovel--so you can get done quicker--rather, gauge your strength level and work at a comfortable pace. Be sure to switch sides when tossing the snow so you don't put all the strain and effort on one side of the body. Use your legs for strength, bend at the hips and knees, to keep pressure off your back.
Okay, that covers the basics for the snow and ice removal (physical activity). But, how do you know what product to use? How do deicing products work? Here are a few facts to consider.
Contrary to popular opinion, deicing products are not meant to completely melt snow and ice but are used to facilitate removal with a shovel, snow blower or plow. By melting through the snow to the hard surface and spreading out underneath, the product loosens the snow and ice--creates slush--that is more easily removed.
Before beginning, devise a strategy. If large quantities of snow are present, you will need more product to melt through to the hard surfaces. Therefore, it makes sense to remove as much snow as possible first, then apply deicing materials. You will use less material this way. Once you have applied deicing materials, they will help melt any additional snow or ice that accumulates. Brining your surfaces before any snow falls can also be effective (such as the highway road crews do). However, be careful what and how much you use to avoid damaging your hard surfaces.
The following products are available and most commonly used in central Ohio:
Sodium chloride (NaCl) Commonly referred to as rock salt. This is the least expensive and most often used deicing material. Sodium chloride works best between 15 - 20 degrees F. However, this product is corrosive and can damage vehicles, hard surfaces, carpet and wood floors (if tracked inside) and plant material. So, use only as much as necessary, more is not always better!
Calcium chloride (CaCl) One the most effective deicing products, calcium chloride produces heat as it melts the snow and ice and works to a temperature of -10 degrees F. Some highway departments spray liquid CaCl over rock salt to lower it's effective melting temperature. However, calcium chloride is more expensive than sodium chloride.
Combination products There are a number of product available that contain combinations of deicing salts. The label will indicate the percentage of each ingredient and, typically, the product will perform most like the dominant ingredient.
In addition, you can purchase magnesium chloride (MgCl), potassium chloride (KCl), calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), potassium acetate (KAc), urea, ammonium sulfate, and other nitrogen salts.
The last option is abrasive material such as sand, cinders, or ash. While these are very safe environmentally, they can be dirty and hard to clean up. They do not melt snow and ice, but provide extra traction to make the surfaces less slippery.
If you'd like us to remove snow and ice from your property,
Buckeye Landscape
614-866-0088
