Many common items could end up costing you a fortune
A landscaping expert has warned that people could be damaging their driveway by using common de-icer methods. With most of us waking up to frozen windscreens every morning it is useful to know the most helpful methods.
Andy Mclaughlin, who works for landscaping company RF Paving has urged people to “think again” before reaching for the de-icer, driveway salt or even a shovel. These items could all be causing damage to driveways, the landscaping expert has suggested people switch to natural alternatives to protect their windscreen and driveway.
He said: “A top tip for driveway care, de-icing salts can cause discoloration to your stone and paving, so we recommend using a non-corrosive or more natural de-icer. This discolouration can be irreversible, and damage the overall appearance of your driveway.
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“Another paving concern over the winter months is slip risk due to ice and frost. Avoid using salt to give grip to your paving, as salt is abrasive and can cause cracking. We recommend sand or salt-free grit instead. Before the next round of cold weather hits, you could also apply an anti-slip solution to your paving.”
Shovels can also cause damage to pavement, Andy recommends investing in a different type of shovel. He added: “If you plan to shovel away the snow from your natural stone or porcelain paving, invest in a rubber or plastic-edged shovel. A pure metal shovel may scratch or damage your paving slabs.”
There are also things you can do inside your car to help the de-icing process. Starting the engine as early as possible may be beneficial. Car organisation, AA, recommend you start the engine and turn on the warm air blower to the windscreen before switching on the rear window heater and heated mirrors, if you have them.
And while it may seem like a crazy idea in freezing temperatures, turning on the air-con may help melt the ice away. It’ll remove moisture from the air to stop the car from misting up.
