5 Big Challenges Of Removing Snow From Gravel Driveway
Many people love gravel driveways. However, snow removal isn’t as easy on a gravel driveway as on paved driveways. It’s easy to damage the driveway when clearing snow from it, especially if you don’t have access to the right equipment.
A gravel driveway is the least expensive to install initially, but it requires the most maintenance long-term. Gravel driveways are not recommended for use in areas that receive heavy snowfall. Additionally, gravel driveways require frequent resealing and regular maintenance to withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions. In this article, we’ll discuss the main challenges of removing snow from a gravel driveway.
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Safe Thaw was created as the ice management solution for tough winter environments. Ideal in commercial and industrial properties, shops, government agencies, bridges, and construction.
5 Challenges With Gravel Driveways:
Gets Scattered Around
Gravel can get scattered around and make a big mess. To prevent this, be sure to shovel carefully so that the gravel stays together in clumps. Erosion and washout are common problems with gravel driveways. The material can be easily displaced by heavy rain or snow, leading to other issues like potholes, reduced traction on the road surface, and even damage to your home if the water flows onto it.
Rocks Can Easily Get Damaged
One common problem with gravel driveways is damage from snowplows and snow blowers. These heavy, bulky machines are often used to clear driveways of snow during the winter months, but they can also cause a great deal of damage to your driveway if not operated properly. Be sure that whichever equipment you use has soft tires or wheels so that it doesn’t dig into the gravel and cause gouges in the surface.
Resealing Requirements
Sealing your driveway is necessary to maintain the health of your driveway and retain its strength. You should seal a gravel driveway once every 10 years, or as needed if you have had a heavy rain season.
A resealed driveway will prevent water from seeping into cracks in the surface, which means that ice won’t build up on top of the loose stones when there is freezing weather. It also prevents weeds from growing through bare areas between stones and helps prevent erosion by holding down loose stones with moisture so they can’t be blown away by wind or rain.
Finding the Best Ice Melt for Gravel Driveway
In winter, gravel driveways require special attention. It’s crucial to keep the driveway ice-free so that the drivers can navigate their way safely. Safe Thaw is the best ice melt for gravel driveways as it contains modified urea. This product has special surfactants, inhibitors, and ice melting boosters. Therefore, it can be used on any outdoor surface, including gravel, concrete, stone patios, and wood decks.
Safe Thaw
Safe Thaw was created as the ice management solution for tough winter environments. Ideal in commercial and industrial properties, shops, government agencies, bridges, and construction.
Improper Installation
It is important to ensure that the gravel is compacted correctly and that the surface of your driveway is level to avoid any issues down the line. Improper installation is common in gravel driveways and leads to further problems like cracks, erosion etc.
Melt Ice on Driveway Without Salt
Many homeowners seek ways to melt ice on the driveway without using traditional salt, which can be corrosive to concrete and detrimental to the environment. In response, Safe Thaw serves as an effective ice melt safe for driveways, formulated without salt or harmful chemicals.
Ice Melt for Driveways: Not All Are Created Equal
One key question is, does ice melt damage driveways? The answer depends on the type of ice melt used. Certain products, especially those with harsh chemicals, can indeed damage both asphalt and concrete. However, Safe Thaw, an ice melt for concrete driveways and ice melt for pavers, is formulated to be non-corrosive, offering protection and ice melting capability.
How Much Ice Melt for Driveway Use?
The required amount of ice melt for driveways will depend on the driveway’s size and the ice’s thickness. Typically, a 50lb bag of Safe Thaw should cover approximately 1,000 square feet. Remember, it’s better to start with a smaller amount and add more if necessary, rather than applying too much at once.
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Conclusion
Gravel driveways are cheaper, but concrete driveways are more durable than gravel. If you live in an area with frequent rain or snow, a concrete driveway is the best option because it will last much longer. Road salt can damage your driveway by causing it to sink into the ground and become muddy or slippery. Therefore Safe Thaw is the best ice melt for gravel driveways as it does not contain chlorine unlike rock salt and other alternatives.
FAQs
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