Driveways Derby | Best Ways to Maintain Your Driveway

Maintaining Your Driveway 

Our Driveways Derby team understand that keeping your driveway in good condition is important. That is why homeowners should make sure they carry out regular maintenance in order to fully care for their drives. 

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Driveways Derby | 9 Eco-friendly Ways to De-Ice Your Driveway

Why de ice your driveway

Even now the driveways derby team know that we are receiving very bad weather; snow and ice has been a particular problem. Having a clear and safe driveway is important for homeowners and also in terms of driveway care and maintenance.

Salt is the main product used to remove snow and ice however it can prove to be more harm than good. There are various alternatives to salt you can try that can work just as well.

Problems with Salt

·         Environment: Excess salts build up in the soil, just as they do with chemical fertilizers.

·     Plants & Wildlife: It can be harmful to your garden plants and shrubs. For example salt residue prevents plants from absorbing moisture and nutrients.

·       Water contamination: Salts can leach heavy metals, which eventually make their way into water supplies.

·     Pets & Animals: Salt can be dangerous for pets and wildlife who can suffer allergies and salt burns.

How to de ice your driveway

Shovel Snow

When the snow stops the best course of action is to start removing snow by shovelling.

Go Electric

If you prefer to use a snow blower, get an electric model. Gas-powered blowers generate a lot more air and noise pollution.

Snow Melt Mat

If you're installing a new driveway or replacing an old one, lay down electric wires to heat the driveway from below and radiate heat upwards. Yes, you pay for electricity, so it's not as "eco" as shovelling by hand.

Get a Grip

To create better grip and traction try scattering sand or even birdseed. Though it won’t melt the snow it allows for better grip on icy surfaces.

De-icer

De Ices work by losing the ice from below enabling you to shovel the snow more easily. However limit the amount that you use, just piling on de icer will not clear the path and will be harmful to your driveway in excess.

Pick Your Salt Carefully

Salt is effective at removing snow and ice from your driveway. If you do have to use it then choose which type carefully. Try to avoid those that have high contents of potassium chloride and sodium chloride. Calcium chloride salts are better but still have their disadvantages. When using salt avoid using it near garden plants, wildlife and pets.

Avoid Cat Litter or Wood Ashes

Neither melts snow and ice, and they have a tendency to make a mess.

Avoid Products that Contain Nitrogen-Based Urea

They're more expensive and are not effective once the temperature drops below 20°F.  It also can cause water contamination that can be harmful if it gets into the water supply.

Get the Boot

Wear boots that have a solid toe and bottom treads to help increase your grip on icy surfaces.

Our Thoughts

Our driveways derby team value the importance of keeping your driveways clear and maintained to improve their longevity. By following some of these useful tips for de icing your driveway without the use of salts you can prevent damage to your driveway.

Full Original Article Can Be Found Here

Driveways Derby | Clearing Paths and Driveways

Clearing Paths and Driveways

The driveways Derby team know that winter is far from over for some people and this can make looking after your driveways more difficult. Ensuring you keep your driveways clear is important to maintaining there life and keeping yourself and people in the home safe when stepping out. This article can help with ideas and tips on how to keep your paths and driveways clear when the weather takes a turn for the worse. 

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