How can I shovel my driveway?

Question

I live in New Jersey and we recently had a bit of snow.

There isn't much, about 3 to 4 inches, but it was snow mixed with quite a bit of rain.

I've let it sit on my driveway for almost a week now and it's frozen over, I've been trying to shovel pieces away but huge chunks of ice come out. Shoveling my driveway is too slow and ineffective.

I tried boiling water to no avail, I couldn't blanket enough ice with the water to sufficiently melt it, and I can't get my shovel under the ice either

How can I shovel this driveway?!

Answer 1

Being on the East Coast, you could use salt. But, then again, that explains why cars last only about 10 years. Salt causes them to rust. My suggestion is to go to the local rock quarry and buy some finely crushed rock. Spread that over your drive. It won't melt the ice all that quickly, but it will provide traction for your car. It won't cause it to rust and it is environmentally friendly. Once the ice melts, simply scoop up the gravel and save it for the next deep freeze.

Answer 2

If you don't want to use chemicals, there's an ice chipper that resembles a garden hoe, but with the blade straight out. It will dice up the ice, particularly that which has seen a little sun, and you can shovel it right up.

If the ice is hidden from the sun - you need chemicals or let it thaw naturally.

Answer 3

use sand, not salt, if you have a concrete driveway. Any de-icer products or even fertilizers made with ammonium nitrate will
chemically react with concrete and should be avoided. The best thing to
use is just plain sand but if you have to, you can choose de-icers that
use calcium chloride or sodium chloride.
or just wait untill it thaws.
good luck, hope i helped.

Answer 4

I'm in Jersey and ours is melting, you must be up north, that other state. Rock Salt, or the kid down the street.

Answer 5

Stay in & let mother nature take care of it for you, it will melt in time.

Answer 6

Use salt.