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How To Remove Gravel From A Concrete Driveway

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calcium chloride ice melt for concrete

Introduction

If you have a concrete driveway, there is likely some gravel lying on the driveway that not only looks bad but prevents you to use your driveway in particular ways. Gravel can come from many sources: loose stones from construction projects nearby or rocks from landscaping projects. In this article, we will give you an overview of how to remove gravel from a concrete driveway to enjoy your property again. If you’re a DIY type of person then we will also discuss if you should use DIY ice melt for concrete or not.

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Process Of Removing Gravel From Your Driveway

  • Get the right tools – You’ll need a metal rake and a broom to sweep up the gravel, or else you could end up picking up pebbles and small rocks by hand. You’ll also need a large pail or tub to hold the debris as you work.
  • Get the right materials – Gravel is made of crushed stones, it’s recommended that you wear gloves when handling it—it can be sharp! Most experts recommend wearing jeans because they’re tough enough for this kind of job but not too thick or heavy at the same time.
  • Sweep using metal rakes – Next, use metal rakes at one end of each slab and then move toward another section until most all areas have been covered with several sweeps downward motion. 
  • Remove the final layer of gravel – The final layer of gravel is the hardest to remove. If you’re doing this yourself, use a shovel or jackhammer power tool to break up the gravel, being careful not to damage your driveway’s structure. 
  • Clean the driveway – Use a pressure washer to remove any stains or dirt. Pressure washers are effective at cleaning concrete and should not damage the driveway. If you do not have access to a pressure washer, use a driveway cleaner to remove stains, oil, and grease from your concrete driveway.
  • Apply a sealant – The final step to completing your project is to apply a sealant. You can use a sealant whether you are just sealing the surface or if you are also going to cover it with asphalt. Sealants will prevent water from seeping into the concrete and causing damage, which is why we recommend applying one even if you aren’t covering up your driveway. A sealant will protect your concrete in other ways, too: it keeps cracks from getting larger over time; makes the surface look new and clean; protects against chemicals such as oil and gas that can get onto driveways, and prevents salt spray from damaging the concrete (if there’s salt around where you live).

You Can Also Hire An Expert 

If you’re not up for tackling the job yourself, hiring a professional is your best bet. While it can be tempting to save money and do it all on your own, this is one task that’s worth letting someone else handle. The last thing you want is to end up with an uneven and bumpy driveway because of DIY mistakes—not to mention it could cost you thousands in repairs if they caused any damage!

Ice Melt for Concrete

Ice melts for concrete driveways are sold in various forms, including salt and calcium chloride ice melt for concrete. These chemicals can damage concrete and also harm the surroundings. Some people also use DIY ice melt for concrete like – Rubbing alcohol, vinegar, beet juice, soda, etc. But these DIY solutions are not at all effective at freezing temperatures and cause a great deal of mess on your driveway.

Safe Thaw Ice Melt is one of the best concrete safe ice melt products on the market. It is a urea-based ice melt designed to be safe for concrete, kids, pets, and the planet. 

Safe Thaw’s non-corrosive formula can be used as ice melt on concrete driveways, lawns, and decking material without discoloring or damaging the surface. 

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Conclusion

Removing gravel from your concrete driveway is a big project. You can either do it yourself or hire an expert to do that for you. 


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