January can bring with it some of the coldest temperatures of the year. With these cold temperatures comes ice build up on your walkways, driveways and around your curb.

Traditionally, rock salt has been one of the most effective ways to prevent ice build up and avoid any unnecessary collisions with the concrete ground. However, rock salt can also seriously damage the concrete it is trying to protect. Thus a home or business owner is forced to choose between maintaining the integrity or curb appeal of his or her concrete while also making sure that approaching the home or business is not hazardous to ones health! When planning on de-icing this season keep some things in mind:

• Periodically seal or waterproof your concrete areas
  • This can help in maintaining concrete integrity even when using rock salt as a deicer
• Avoid using salt on newly laid concrete
  • Especially if the driveway or walk way is under a year old
• If you do not want to use rock salt then try sand
  • Sand does not damage your concrete like rock salt does though it can be a messier clean up
• Make sure your gutters are not draining directly onto the concrete
  • Increased water exposure equals increased water damage
• Avoid using de-icing chemicals
  • These are harmful to the environment, rock salt and sand are environmentally friendly while achieving the same results

For all your maintenance needs this January contact the experts at VHM Home Maintenance, they can set you up with the right materials and the right advice to survive the cold!