We didn't clean the sidewalks off in front of the house in time, now it's all ice, and the shovel won't go through it, will the salt melt it if we put alot on it?
What about buckets of really hot water?
2007-02-16 08:25:25 · 9 answers · asked by tamilynn 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
What about the stuff you put in your windshield wipers that doesn't freeze? I have some of that, can't get out of driveway right now.
We are in MD, in the moutains.
2007-02-16 08:49:14 · update #1
I don't get why everyone is advising you to use salt. Yes, it's pretty cheap, but it is really hard on your concrete and CAN KILL OR DAMAGE your surrounding plant materials. Get an Ice melt product that is formulated from Calcium Chloride, not Sodium Chloride (salt). Rock salt isn't too effective when the temperatures are below 20 degrees, but the ice melt works down to -20 to -25 degrees, and is safer for your concrete and plants. Don't use the deicing washer fluid, as it is toxic to animals and bad for your plants. Hot water ain't such a good idea either, as it will refreeze and cause more ice.
2007-02-16 08:44:10 · answer #1 · answered by Karl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The problem with buckets of really hot water is that when they hit the freezing cold sidewalk they will FREEZE.
You can buy an ice chipper- it has a heavy sharp blade, and you slam it down and it breaks up the ice. You chip the worst parts, sprinkle salt and then do it again.
I spent $30 on an ice chipper my first year in this house and it was well worth it. All my neighbors borrow it when I am done.
2007-02-16 08:31:41 · answer #2 · answered by CYP450 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I dont know how cold it is where you are, but I wouldn't use hot water. Although, hot water will melt it temporarily, the melted ice (and the hot water) will just freezes up again. At this point, salt is your best bet. You can follow the salt with sand, as well. However, that could get muddy, but it will help with the slipperiness; if thats a problem.
2007-02-16 08:33:11 · answer #3 · answered by jcalvin2003 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buckets of hot water will turn it into a hockey rink... ever seen a Zamboni? They use hot water, it freezes faster than cold...
Use rock salt, let it do it's thing in time and the ice will loosen up.
2007-02-16 08:31:17 · answer #4 · answered by 6kidsANDalwaysFIXINGsomething 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
do something about it now before someone trips
no hot water!!!!
u can use salt but it's going to burn right into your cement
i recommend lots of construction sand
and get a real shovel or a break bar to break the ice apart
2007-02-16 08:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by willow 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have pets or kids around do not put any antifreeze down, it is very poisonous!!! Try salt with a little water to get it started.
2007-02-16 11:12:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
U NEEDS SALT. puts it on the ground it melt ice too. u gonna mess around till somebody falls in u gettin sued. hope that don't happen yo
2007-02-16 08:33:22 · answer #7 · answered by smartsexycurvy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rock salt or an ice melter will work fine. Do not pour hot water on it. It will freeze and make your ice problem worse.
2007-02-16 08:28:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
yea salt should help maybe wat u use for ur car too
2007-02-16 16:29:46 · answer #9 · answered by donielle 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋