Does Your Driveway Need Sanding, Salting, or Both?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Sanding and salting are often lumped together as basically the same thing, but they solve different problems and work best in different conditions. Knowing when to use which one, or both together, makes a real difference in how safe your driveway is during a London winter.

Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which melts existing ice and prevents new ice from forming on the treated surface. It's most effective in temperatures down to around minus ten to minus twelve degrees Celsius for standard rock salt, and it actually eliminates the hazard rather than just making it more manageable. This makes salt the better choice when the goal is a genuinely ice-free surface.

Sand doesn't melt anything. Instead, it adds grit and traction on top of ice or hard-packed snow, giving tires and feet something to grip. This matters most in very cold temperatures where salt stops being effective, since sand works regardless of temperature. It's also a reasonable option for anyone trying to avoid the environmental impact of heavy salt use near gardens or waterways.

Many properties benefit from both at different times. Salt handles typical winter conditions effectively, while sand becomes the better backup during an extreme cold snap when temperatures drop low enough that salt alone won't fully melt ice. Some providers switch products automatically based on forecast temperatures rather than using one approach all winter.

Thames Valley Snow adjusts between salt and sand based on actual temperature conditions during each visit, rather than applying the same product regardless of how cold it actually is outside. Understanding the difference helps you ask the right questions about what your provider is using and why.

How Salt Works

Rock salt lowers the freezing point of water, which melts thin ice and stops new ice from bonding to the pavement. It works best when it is applied before or early in a storm. Standard rock salt becomes much less effective in very cold weather, roughly below minus 10 degrees Celsius, which is why some cold snaps in London leave driveways slick even after salting.

How Sand Works

Sand does not melt anything. It adds grip on top of ice, which makes it useful during deep cold when salt struggles. The downside is that sand gets tracked into the house, clogs storm drains and needs to be swept up in spring. Many homeowners use sand only on steep spots or steps during the coldest stretches.

When Using Both Makes Sense

A salt and sand mix gives you some melting power and some instant traction. It is common on sloped driveways, shaded areas where ice lingers, and at the bottom of downspouts where meltwater refreezes overnight. For most flat London driveways, a good salting after clearing is enough most of the winter.

Protecting Concrete, Pets and Plants

New concrete, generally under a year old, can be damaged by salt, so ask your installer before treating it. Salt can also irritate pets paws and harm lawns and garden beds along the driveway edge. Pet-safe ice melt is gentler and a good choice near entrances and walkways that dogs use. Using the right amount, not more, also limits damage and runoff.

Freeze-Thaw Days

London winters often swing above and below zero within a day. Snow melts in the afternoon sun and refreezes after dark, leaving black ice by morning. Those are the days when a salting visit after clearing pays off most.

FAQ

Is salt bad for my driveway?

Salt can wear the surface of new or poorly sealed concrete over time. Asphalt and cured, sealed concrete handle normal salting well.

Is pet-safe ice melt worth it?

If you have dogs or plants near the walkway, yes. It costs more but is gentler on paws and greenery.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers plowing or clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus clearing the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Prices for larger driveways are on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; we list everything on the quote so there are no surprises.

Ready for a fixed seasonal price? Request a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. Learn more about residential snow removal or, for businesses, commercial snow removal.