How to Prevent Ice on Your Driveway and Walkway

Short answer: Prevent ice on your driveway and walkway by clearing snow before it is packed down, salting thinly before refreeze, fixing drainage so meltwater does not cross walkways, and keeping downspouts pointed away from paths. Most ice forms from meltwater that refreezes overnight.

Where ice comes from

• Packed snow: tires and footsteps compress snow into ice.
• Refreeze: snow melts in the afternoon sun and freezes after dark.
• Downspouts: roof meltwater discharging across walkways.
• Freezing rain: coats everything at once.
• Shade: north-facing steps and walkways never fully dry.

How to prevent it

1. Clear snow during long storms, not only after.
2. Salt a thin, even layer before temperatures drop in the evening.
3. Pre-treat steps and walkways before forecast freezing rain.
4. Extend downspouts so water runs away from paths.
5. Keep snow piles downhill of walkways, not above them.
6. Add grit on very cold days when salt is slow.

What to avoid

• Chipping ice with metal tools on concrete or interlock.
• Thick piles of salt that sit unused.
• Pouring hot water on ice, which refreezes.

When to call a professional

Salting before refreeze is part of our driveway snow removal and residential plans, and our commercial salting covers entrances and lots before opening.

Questions homeowners ask

Why are my front steps always icy?

Shade and roof drip are the usual causes. Salt before evening and redirect the drip.

Do heated mats work?

They help on steps and short paths if you have outdoor power.

Is black ice visible?

Often not. Treat shaded and low spots as icy on cold mornings.