What do put on a gravel driveway, to melt the snow and ice?

Question

I was told not to use salt, becuase the driveway will become mush.

Answer 1

I'm not sure about it being used on gravel however it's not good to use it on concrete it will damaged it, been there done that..........

Answer 2

Anything will turn the subgrade under the stone soft. My advice is Fertilzers you buy a diy store. some times will melt the ice and also provide nice lawn care.

If you concern about the subgrade turning to mush why not try this spring placing cement in the gravel. Or better yet order from a quarry 3/4" crush and run, stone dust or whatever your jurisdiction calls the stone subgrade under your highway. In VA its call 21A. Why? this material when applied correctly and compacted will be a sturdier material for a drivey way. better yet order the same material with 3% cement rent a walk behind roller (smooth drum variety) and place this.

This way you can put what ever you fill like using on your driveway with out the worry of unstable driveway.

Answer 3

No offense meant, and both 1 and 2 offer valid suggestions; but the very action of MELTING will create slush/water/ and perhaps MUSH. One can hardly make Ice and snow vanish to a dry state without first going through that Melt phase.

Without knowing at all how deep the gravel is, or the frost line where you are; or when it might freeze over, again, or what kind of drainage applies to the soil; I suspect it's a condition you might have to deal with as long as you live in an area that is subject to snow and ice.

Another solution; often used by municipalities; is Sand, which won't MELT anything; but affords some modest improvement in traction; then will also turn to mush in the next rain or thaw.

Answer 4

There are various salts and ice melt products that are pet safe - look for the salt or ice melt that states specifically "pet safe". Hardware stores or home supply stores like Home Depot or Lowes. Pet God Lice Melt for Pets and Safe Paw Ice Melt Safe for Dogs are two that I know of.

Answer 5

use calcium cloride ice melter

or you can get a brine mixture from the tractor supply places that goes in a pump up sprayer

Answer 6

its only gravel...shovel the snow and salt the hell out of the ice...

Answer 7

asphalt, with radiant Ice melting system under it

Answer 8

SALT,SALT, SALT
use the water softner type, besides that its cheaper,