As winter deepens in Fargo, icy driveways become a safety concern for homeowners. While Funk’s offers seasonal snow blowing services, ice removal is not included in our standard snow contracts. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide with the best ways to melt ice on your driveway: so you can stay safe, steady, and slip-free this season.
Whether you’re dealing with a light glaze or thick, stubborn patches, here are three proven methods to tackle icy buildup safely and effectively.
1. Salt (When and Where to Use It Wisely)
Salt, specifically rock salt or calcium chloride, is one of the most commonly used deicers for residential driveways. It’s affordable, easy to apply, and widely available.
How it works:
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, breaking the bond between ice and pavement. Once applied, it gradually melts the surface ice, making it easier to shovel or break up.
Use with care:
Avoid overuse. Does salting ice damage your driveway? In some cases, yes. Too much salt can damage concrete surfaces and nearby plants over time, especially on older or unsealed driveways.
Never apply salt to cracked or newly poured concrete (less than a year old).
Always shovel off loose snow first before applying salt for best results.
2. Sand (Traction Over Melting)
If temperatures are too cold for salt to be effective, sand is an excellent alternative. While it doesn’t melt ice, it improves traction, reducing slips and falls.
Sand vs Salt for Melting Ice:
Salt melts ice, but loses effectiveness below 15°F.
Sand does not melt ice, but helps provide grip even in extreme cold.
For driveways with steep slopes or high foot traffic, sprinkling sand over icy spots can offer immediate safety while waiting for temperatures to rise.
Pro tip: Sweep up leftover sand in spring to prevent drainage issues.
3. Ice Melt Alternatives (For Sensitive Surfaces)
For homeowners concerned about environmental impact or potential surface damage, there are non-salt-based ice melt products available. These typically use ingredients like magnesium chloride or beet juice blends.
Best way to melt ice on driveway without salt:
Magnesium chloride: Less corrosive than rock salt, and works at lower temperatures
Pet-safe or eco-friendly melts: Ideal for driveways near landscaped areas or homes with pets
Rubbing alcohol + warm water: A DIY solution for light buildup (spray mixture on affected areas)
Always check the label to ensure the product is safe for your specific driveway surface.
Best Way to Melt Thick Ice on Driveway
When you’re dealing with thick, packed ice, chemical methods alone may not be enough. Try this step-by-step approach:
Use a sturdy ice chopper or metal shovel to score or break the surface.
Apply salt or a melting agent to begin breaking down the bond with the pavement.
Allow time for the deicer to work, then return with the shovel to remove loosened chunks.
For especially stubborn areas, pour warm (not boiling) water over the spot, then reapply deicer.
Repeat as needed and always apply traction material like sand for safety while working.
Why Funk’s Doesn’t Include Ice Removal in Standard Service
Our seasonal snow removal contracts are designed for efficiency and broad coverage. While we clear driveways after snowfalls of 1” or more, ice buildup can occur outside those service windows, especially from drifting, melting, or freezing rain.
Because of the time, equipment, and safety considerations involved, we leave ice management to homeowners. This allows us to keep our service affordable and responsive to the larger storms that require full-scale operations.
That said, we’re happy to share advice like this to help you manage the in-between moments when conditions are slippery but not snow-covered.
Stay Safe This Winter with Funk’s
Want to avoid the snow hassle altogether? Funk’s seasonal snow blowing service takes care of the hard part— clearing your driveway with professional equipment so you’re not stuck outside with a shovel.
Ice management may be up to you, but we’ve got your snow covered.
