Ice and Snow Removal Tips for Driveways, Sidewalks, and Roofs

Let it snow, let it snow, let it...wait a minute...with the potential for a cold and snowy winter you’re going to need some ice and snow removal tips for sidewalk snow removal, roof ice removal, and driveway snow removal. All the snow and ice can wreak havoc on your property--not to mention your arms, back, and sanity. Here are some helpful tips and product recommendations to ensure you have a safe and stress free winter.

Shovels are a great way to get rid of snow and slush, as well as to get a great workout. Gertens has a wide variety of options for pushing and scooping with u-handles, traditional handles, and ergonomic options at a range of price points. Work smarter, not harder by selecting the right shovel for the job. Make sure to ask a knowledgeable Gertens employee for tips and more information on which shovel is right for you.

Another great ice and snow removal product is the spreader. Spreaders are great to evenly distribute ice melt or grit which will prevent waste and/or slippery spots.  Gertens carries both hand broadcasters and push spreaders. The push spreaders have an optional plastic cover to prevent water from ruining the ice melt in the hopper.

Now for our ice removal tips. Ice melt is a great product used to dissolve ice and rid your sidewalks and driveway of slippery hazards. Gertens has many options to meet your needs and budget. Sodium chloride (salt) is the least expensive, but it has a tendency to ruin concrete, planting beds, and carpet. Most ice melts are a blend of sodium, calcium, or magnesium chloride. Be aware that no ice melt is safe to use on natural stone, as it will cause the stone to crack and crumble. Again, make sure to ask a knowledgeable Gertens employee which ice melt product is right for you.

Freezgard is 100% magnesium chloride and melts down to -25°F. It’s safe for concrete, plants, pets' feet, and will not track into the house.

Thaw Master melts to -5°F and is a blend of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride and is coated with AMC, which speeds the melting power.

Quad Release melts to -10°F and is a blend of calcium chloride magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. It has an anti-caking agent added to the mix and is tinted to ensure even application.

Ice No More melts to -5°F and is a blend of calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and AMC. It is fast acting and has a blue tint added to ensure even distribution.

Lightning Fast melts to -12°F and is a blend of AMC, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. It is fast acting and has a blue/green tint to ensure even application.

Power Thaw melts to -20°F and is a blend of AMC, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride and sodium chloride. It is also fast acting, has an anti-corrosion agent added, and is tinted blue to ensure even application.

Peladow melts to -25°F and is calcium chloride. It gives off heat while dissolving and the round shape helps penetrate ice.

Rid Ice melts to -10°F and is a blend of magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium chloride. The consistent size and shape allow it to easily go through a spreader.

Super Rid Ice melts to -20°F and is a blend of magnesium chloride and sodium chloride. It melts faster than straight sodium chloride and can be colored for easy application.

BCA Magnesium Pellets melt to -25°F and is 100% magnesium chloride. The pellet shape allows it to easily go through a spreader, and it is safe for concrete, pets, and vegetation.

Traction Grit is a great solution for people with natural stone steps or pavers. It is small, jagged pieces of purple quartz gravel. Though it will not melt ice, it does provide a non-slip surface. It’s also great to keep in your car in case you get stuck. Placing a little underneath the wheels will give you enough traction to get yourself out.

All of these products are available for sale in-store. Please call us at 650.450.1501 if you have any questions!