Long-Lasting Frost-Proof Concrete Driveway
Introduction
Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean you can’t start thinking about your winter. Chances are, if you live in a cold city, you’ll have to deal with a few months of freezing temperatures and snow on your concrete driveway. Yes, it can be a pain, but there are some simple steps you can take to ensure that your new driveway doesn’t crack or crumble apart as soon as a little bit of ice and frost hits it. And if you ever wonder, can you use ice melt on your roof? Then you will get your answer in this article.
Not all concrete is suitable for driveways
Concrete can crack if it is exposed to frost. Concrete expands and contracts as it freezes and thaws. This process causes the concrete joints to open up, which can lead to cracks in the surface of your driveway. Alternatively, if your driveway is too thin, there won’t be enough material around the edges to support itself under its own weight once it’s installed.
Build up thicker concrete
As with any driveway, it’s important to build up your concrete so it’s thicker than normal where the frost can get to it. The best way to do this is by using a thick layer of aggregate in addition to your normal mix of cement and sand. This will ensure that your drive has a nice smooth surface while still being protected from cracking or crumbling due to frost.
Reinforce your concrete
If you can, reinforce your concrete. Use:
- Reinforced concrete that has rebar or steel mesh.
- Concrete that has a higher cement content
- Concrete that has a higher water content
- Concrete with more sand in it and less gravel/stone
Don’t allow the water to pool anywhere
Firstly form and pour your concrete so that the water doesn’t pool anywhere. If there’s a low spot in your slab, fill it with some kind of material that will allow the concrete to bond well with it (like sand or cement). It also helps prevent frost damage by keeping cold air from seeping into the ground through cracks at night.
Use insulation materials in the slab
As you build your concrete, use insulation materials in the slab, such as Styrofoam or cardboard tubes. Insulation can be done by building a frame and placing it over it. You can also place old clothes, blankets, and newspapers under the concrete to keep it from freezing. Old furniture and books are other options for keeping the heat in your new driveway.
Concrete safe ice melt
Safe Thaw Ice Melt is a urea-based ice melt designed to be safe for kids, pets, and the planet. Using Safe Thaw is also the best way to melt ice on sidewalk or driveways.
Safe Thaw’s non-corrosive formula can be used on concrete driveways, lawns, and decking material without discoloring or damaging the surface. And to answer your question – Can you use ice melt on your roof? Yes, definitely, Safe Thaw is completely safe and effective to use on your roof also. Safe Thaw crystal leaches out a deicing liquid and speeds up the melting process even at a temperature as low as (-25) °F. In addition, ice melting crystals prevent water from reforming to destabilize and melt ice particles in 10-minutes.
100% salt & chloride-free, fast acting Ice Management Solution
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas about how to keep your driveway from cracking in the winter. When it comes down to it, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for every type of concrete and every climate. Make sure you use the right kind of concrete. Concrete comes in many varieties; some are better suited for driveways than others. Make sure you choose a high-strength cement mix designed specifically for that purpose, as lower-quality cement won’t be able to withstand the stresses placed on them by car tires over time.
Try Also Our Other Winter Safety Products:
Safe Paw
The Original and #1 Selling Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe –It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Paw. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Walk On Ice
The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow. Use it on sidewalks, steps, or as an instant traction agent for your car.
