KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – SNOW REMOVAL FOR DIFFERENT SURFACES

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – SNOW REMOVAL FOR DIFFERENT SURFACES

Even if we do not realize it often we have more than one surface outside that requires snow removal. It is helpful to know the difference in safe snow removal recommendations for each. Paving is very expensive so make sure to take care of it!

With concrete driveways and sidewalks calcium chloride rather than rock salt is your best bet. Rock salt can be corrosive to the rebar that reinforces the concrete. It dissolves and seeps underneath causing damage. Always follow the directions when using any ice melting product. Some new chemical ice melters do more with less. Be very sparing with salt on new concrete.

Asphalt driveways may become somewhat brittle as they age. Chunks of asphalt can be broken off easily with aggressive shoveling. It is good practice to not shovel or blow the snow right down to the surface leave half an inch or so. It is important to keep asphalt driveways well maintained. Seal every 3-5 years and repair rough and broken spots.

Brick or paver walkways can be especially fragile during a year of so much snow and cold as we have experienced in Chicago. It is best to stick with plastic and other non metal shovels. Metal shovels and snow blowers can damage these sometimes uneven surfaces.

This winter I have been using an old standby – table salt. It is gentler than and often just as effective as chemicals. Especially on those few sunny days it is very effective. I also use table salt for our wooden stairs.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO