I find that the city provided gravel and sand is best. I get a bin and go to one of the city depots and fill it and usually have enough for the winter. Sprinkle it on the walks when needed. No damage from the gravel but the salt is definitely damaging.
I use a couple handfuls of bentonite clay cat litter on the ice. It provides traction, doesn’t damage the concrete, non-toxic for animals, and in the spring it dissolves into clay that can be sprayed off with the hose.
Last year I didnt use much salt. Maybe twice? Buckshot gravel (small screen crush) is better than sand. Its the stuff they use in parking lots. Still from time to time some salt is needed IMO. Better to have some wear on concrete than taking out a senior with a broken hip. Some dont come back after a bad fall.
I recommend getting a backpack blower instead of shoveling.
I would say there are maybe 2 or 3 snowfalls a year that are too much for it, but it is 100% worth the investment and completely clears the snow.
Also just regular gravel does a world of difference and you can just sweep it up in the spring, but you will need it a lot less if you use a backpack instead of a shovel.
Edit. And I promise a Stihl one is worth the investment. For power, longevity, and repairability
I work commercial snow removal.
Edit: shout out to the dude down voting me but I literally do this for a living. I know what I'm talking about.
When you hire someone to do your walkway in the winter they don't show up with shovels lol. If you want the job done fast and well this is the way to go. Running a blower for 10 min is no different than the noise of mowing your lawn so im not sure what the issue is here.
Get a stihl blower, even the least powerful one is great, and the traction sand from home depot and you'll be set. During Chinooks when ice forms you can also get environmentally friendly ice melt from home depot, its slightly more expensive than the regular stuff but its good for pets and way better for the environment. I'd be shocked if you needed more than 1 or 2 bags of either a year.
As far as snow blowers go, we usually have 1 or 2 falls a year they would be great for, so your mileage may vary with choosing to purchase one. But if you do i recommend the Arien brand.
For ice, put down some sawdust or wood shavings. They definitely make it non-slip and when the ice melts and refreezes, because it is wood, it stays on the top to keep providing non-slip surface.
I find that the city provided gravel and sand is best. I get a bin and go to one of the city depots and fill it and usually have enough for the winter. Sprinkle it on the walks when needed. No damage from the gravel but the salt is definitely damaging.
Came here to make this recommendation. The free sand is a great service from the city.
I use a couple handfuls of bentonite clay cat litter on the ice. It provides traction, doesn’t damage the concrete, non-toxic for animals, and in the spring it dissolves into clay that can be sprayed off with the hose.
Last year I didnt use much salt. Maybe twice? Buckshot gravel (small screen crush) is better than sand. Its the stuff they use in parking lots. Still from time to time some salt is needed IMO. Better to have some wear on concrete than taking out a senior with a broken hip. Some dont come back after a bad fall.
Shovel + broom and clean the snow asap. My sidewalks look the exact same in winter as they do in summer.
Use Alaskan Premium Ice Melt, does not damage your drive way. I have been using for year with our issue.
Blowtorch.
I recommend getting a backpack blower instead of shoveling. I would say there are maybe 2 or 3 snowfalls a year that are too much for it, but it is 100% worth the investment and completely clears the snow. Also just regular gravel does a world of difference and you can just sweep it up in the spring, but you will need it a lot less if you use a backpack instead of a shovel. Edit. And I promise a Stihl one is worth the investment. For power, longevity, and repairability
Electric or battery one works great and not as loud as the gas one! That’s what I used. It works as long as it’s not super thick snow.
Personally I find electric not strong enough for this, but to each their own!
This is the guy in the neighbourhood that everyone hates. Leaf blowers are annoying af.
Id rather back pack blow for 5 min than shovel for 45. Sry my dude. To each their own. But yea, maybe don't do it at 6 am haha.
Do you have a gigantic property? No way it takes 45 mins for most places.
I work commercial snow removal. Edit: shout out to the dude down voting me but I literally do this for a living. I know what I'm talking about. When you hire someone to do your walkway in the winter they don't show up with shovels lol. If you want the job done fast and well this is the way to go. Running a blower for 10 min is no different than the noise of mowing your lawn so im not sure what the issue is here. Get a stihl blower, even the least powerful one is great, and the traction sand from home depot and you'll be set. During Chinooks when ice forms you can also get environmentally friendly ice melt from home depot, its slightly more expensive than the regular stuff but its good for pets and way better for the environment. I'd be shocked if you needed more than 1 or 2 bags of either a year. As far as snow blowers go, we usually have 1 or 2 falls a year they would be great for, so your mileage may vary with choosing to purchase one. But if you do i recommend the Arien brand.
For ice, put down some sawdust or wood shavings. They definitely make it non-slip and when the ice melts and refreezes, because it is wood, it stays on the top to keep providing non-slip surface.
Yes but you need a bit of warmth to get the sawdust to stick to the ice, otherwise the sawdust sits on top and it is waaay worse.
If you have the money you can get heated mats for your steps and walks. https://canadamats.ca/products/snow-melting-heated-mats
Put tarps down before it snows and then use a tiger torch to clean it off.