SALT OR SAND FOR ICE? HOW TO PROPERLY MAINTAIN YOUR DRIVEWAY IN WINTER

• Pros and cons of de-icing salt
• Pros and cons of anti-skid agent (sand and stone)
• Pros and cons of de-icing salt and sand
• Anti-skid and de-icing agents: what is the difference?
• Choose a product based on temperature
• Choose a product based on the surface

Would you like to enjoy a safer winter without worrying about slipping on your driveway every time you shovel snow or head out to work (coffee in hand!!)? During winter, maintaining your driveway and access to your home is essential. Several products—such as sand, salt, and stone—are available on the market to help you do just that.

However, these abrasive products each have different characteristics, and some are more effective in specific situations. We’re here to help you sort it all out so you can choose the product that best suits your needs.

Keep in mind that the two main factors influencing the choice of an abrasive product are outdoor temperature and the type of icy surface you need to treat.

De-icing Salt, Sand, and Anti-Slip Stone: Advantages and Disadvantages

Below are the key advantages, limitations, and useful information to help you make the best choice for de-icing your driveway this winter.

Pros and cons of de-icing salt

Main Function

Lowers the freezing point of water, allowing ice and black ice to melt quickly. It is the go-to de-icing solution for driveways, sidewalks, and walkways in winter.

Common types of salt

• Rock salt: The most commonly used; effective down to about −10 °C, but corrosive to concrete and metal.
• Magnesium chloride: Less corrosive, effective down to −15 °C. Offered by Groupe Bellemare.
• Calcium chloride: Melts ice more quickly and remains effective down to −25 °C.
• Eco-friendly salts: Less aggressive on the environment and surfaces; suitable for sensitive areas.

Advantages of De-Icing salt

• Completely melts ice layers.
• Acts quickly against black ice.
• Reduces surface slipperiness by melting ice.
• Prevents snow from bonding to surfaces and limits ice formation.
• Very affordable and easy to spread.
• Acts quickly and helps protect your driveway before heavy snowfall.

Limitations / Precautions

• May accelerate corrosion of certain surfaces, such as concrete driveways.
• Can damage nearby lawns and vegetation.
• May be harmful to animals.
• Some salts lose effectiveness when temperatures drop below −12 °C.

Tips for using de-icing salt in winter

• Apply sparingly and focus on the most slippery areas.
• Combine with anti-slip sand for better traction on thick ice.
• Follow manufacturer recommendations and verify surface compatibility before application.

Pros and cons of anti-skid agent (sand and stone)

Main function

Improve traction on slippery surfaces (ice, compacted snow, black ice) without melting the ice. Reduce the risk of slips and falls on sidewalks, driveways, walkways, and stairs.

Common types of sand and stone

• Natural sand: Fine to medium grains, provides immediate traction.
• Recycled sand: Often made from recovered materials; eco-friendly and effective.
• Anti-slip stone: Highly effective on very slippery surfaces or high-traffic areas. Discover Groupe Bellemare’s premium anti-slip stone, sourced directly from our quarries.

Advantages of sand and stone

• Non-corrosive and safe for surfaces, plants, and animals.
• Immediate effectiveness on ice and compacted snow, even in extreme cold.
• Easy to store and apply; economical option.
• Can be used alone or combined with salt for added effectiveness.
• Stays in place longer and provides excellent traction, reducing fall risk.

Limitations / Precautions

• Does not melt ice, making it less practical for thick ice buildup.
• Requires spring cleanup to prevent accumulation, especially when mixed materials are used.
• Multiple applications may be necessary.

Tips for using sand or stone in winter

• Apply to high-traffic or very slippery areas to maximize safety.
• Adjust the quantity based on surface conditions.
• For best results, remove snow before application.
• Use a sand-salt mix when ice is present and traction is also needed.

Pros and cons of de-icing salt and sand

Main function

Dual action. Salt melts ice and compacted snow, while sand provides immediate traction to prevent falls. This mix quickly secures driveways, sidewalks, walkways, and stairs—even in very cold conditions.

Composition

• Natural or recycled sand for traction.
• De-icing salt (sodium chloride, calcium chloride, or eco-friendly blends) to melt ice.
• Some formulations include optimized ratios to improve effectiveness while protecting surfaces. Discover the quality product offered by Groupe Bellemare.

Advantages of a sand-salt mix

• Combines de-icing and anti-slip properties.
• Works at lower temperatures than salt alone, depending on dosage and salt type.
• Economical, as it requires less salt.
• Less corrosive than salt alone when properly dosed.
• Effective across a wide range of temperatures, although performance decreases in extreme cold.

Limitations / Precautions

• Does not fully replace de-icing when ice layers are very thick.
• Must be applied in appropriate quantities to avoid excessive buildup.
• Spring cleanup is recommended.
• May damage delicate surfaces and plants.
• Can be harmful to animals.

Tips for using a sand-salt mix in winter

• Apply to high-traffic or slippery areas.
• Adjust quantities based on temperature and ice thickness.
• Remove snow before application for best results.
• Store in a dry, covered area to maintain effectiveness.

Comparison table: Salt, Sand/Stone, and Sand-salt mix for winter driveways

The perfect winter driveway maintenance strategy: combine products

Striking the right balance between the pros of salt and sand is essential for optimum winter maintenance of your driveway.

• Prevention: Apply salt before a snowfall to create a protective barrier, preventing ice from sticking to the surface of your driveway. This preventive action will considerably reduce the amount of salt you need to use overall.
• De-icing: In the middle of a storm or immediately after a snowfall, use salt to melt ice quickly. This is particularly important for entrances where safety is a priority, such as steeply sloping ones.
• Traction with sand: After de-icing, spread sand on areas requiring traction, such as sidewalks, the main entrance and stairs. This will help prevent falls without relying on salt alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maintaining Concrete or Asphalt Driveways in Winter

Anti-Skid and De-Icing Agents: What is the Difference?

We can classify the Nordic products into two categories: anti-skid (stone and sand) and de-icing (salt and sand-salt mixtures). 

Anti-skid Products

They are composed of dry materials such as sand and stone. Their primary purpose is to increase grip on icy surfaces. Their effect is instantaneous and allows you and your children (or even your dog!) to walk safely in your driveway. Sand and stone do not melt ice and are not corrosive.

De-icing Products

These are mixtures mainly composed of sodium chloride (salt and salt-sand mixtures) that have corrosive properties that melt ice. These products are particularly effective when ice becomes embedded in surfaces and is difficult to remove. Salt melts ice by lowering the freezing point of water. When applied to a driveway or sidewalk, it prevents the formation of ice and melts the ice already in place.

Choose a product based on temperature

Some products can withstand extreme cold, but others are more effective in mild winter temperatures. 

Mild winter temperatures (up to -12 Degrees Celsius)

Salt: Salt works wonders in these rather mild temperatures. It can easily prevent ice from forming or melt ice already present. 

Stone and Sand: Stone and sand are very effective when the temperature is mild. 

Cold to Icy Temperatures (below -12 Degrees Celsius)

Salt: Salt will not prevent water from turning to ice when temperatures are too cold. It is therefore not recommended to use this product in this situation.

Stone and Sand: Stone and sand create a grip on the ice, regardless of the temperature. It is possible that sand will freeze and become less effective when the temperature is very cold (-30 degrees Celsius or below). In this case, a mix of salt and sand can be used to allow sand to not freeze as easily. However, extremely cold temperatures can also make this mixture ineffective. Fortunately, these extreme conditions never last very long!

Choosing the right product based on surface type

Salt and sand do not have the same impact on the under-ice surface! It is important to know the impacts of these different solutions to make an informed decision. Here are the main differences between the two products. 

Effects of salt on concrete or asphalt

• Salt is corrosive, which means that over time it can damage pavers and concrete. It is important to follow the recommended amounts on the product packaging. 
• When salt mixes with water from melting ice, it forms brine. This brine can then run off your driveway into your lawn and borders, potentially killing your plants. It’s important to make sure you don’t have plants near your driveway before using this product frequently.
• Salt is great for areas such as sidewalks, steps, front steps and driveways, but you should always consider the negative effect it can have on your lawn and plants.

Pro tip: to protect your driveway and vehicles from corrosion, use a salt-resistant sealant on your driveway before winter. Wash your car regularly to remove salt residue, and spray on a rust protector.

Effects of sand and stone on concrete or asphalt

• Sand and stone are not corrosive. This means that they will not damage concrete or pavers over time. In addition, they do not form brine and do not kill plants or grass.
• Sand and stone stay on surfaces longer, improving traction even when ice has already formed.
• Since they do not melt the ice, it is possible for other layers of ice or snow to form on top. It is therefore important to add sand or stone frequently or to shovel new snow accumulations.
• Although it is recommended that you apply it more frequently than salt, you must remain vigilant and follow package instructions. Too much sand or stone can cause blockage in drains.

How to avoid snow accumulation in your driveway?

Every winter product has its strengths and weaknesses. To make your life easier, the most effective, green method that works 100% of the time is to keep the snow from accumulating and turning to ice in the first place! 

Shovel the snow as soon as it hits the ground, even if it means going out in the middle of a storm (as long as it's safe).

Pro tip: use a plastic shovel to avoid damaging the surface of your driveway.

Does vinegar melt ice?

Although some sites recommend using vinegar as a de-icer, we do not recommend it. The freezing point of vinegar (-2°C) is very similar to that of water, so if you apply it at these temperatures, you will only be adding ice!

Use the right product for your needs

You now know the important features of the products available to you, as well as their recommended use. You can now make an informed choice to properly remove snow and ice from your driveway this winter! We recommend that you try a few products to find the one that fully satisfies you.

If you have more questions on the subject, do not hesitate to contact our experts!