Is Salt or Sand Better for Icy Driveways?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

When ice hits a driveway in London, Ontario, the two most common fixes are salt and sand, but they solve different problems and most homeowners get more value from using both correctly.

Salt, whether traditional rock salt or a calcium chloride blend, actually melts ice by lowering the freezing point of water. It's the better choice when the goal is removing ice entirely rather than just improving traction. Calcium chloride works at much lower temperatures than rock salt, which matters on the coldest London nights when plain salt stops being effective.

Sand doesn't melt anything. It sits on top of the ice and provides grip, which is useful for traction but does nothing to actually clear the ice underneath. Sand is a reasonable choice when temperatures are too cold for salt to work, or as a cheaper option for large areas where full melting isn't necessary.

Many properties benefit from combining both: salt to break down the ice layer and sand for immediate traction while the salt works. Environmentally conscious homeowners should also know that overusing salt can damage concrete, landscaping, and nearby waterways, so applying the right amount matters more than applying a lot.

Temperature Decides What Works

Plain rock salt works well around the freezing mark but slows down sharply as it gets colder, and below about -10°C it does very little. That is why a driveway can look treated and still be slick on a January morning. On those days traction from sand or grit matters more, and the salt goes back to work as temperatures climb toward zero.

Timing matters too. Salt spread on bare pavement before freezing rain or a refreeze keeps ice from bonding, so it takes far less product than trying to melt a thick sheet after it forms.

Protecting Concrete, Pavers and Lawns

Newer concrete and some pavers can scale or pit with heavy salt use, especially when water soaks in and freezes again. Use only as much as you need, sweep up leftovers once the ice is gone, and keep piles of salty snow away from garden beds where you can. Sand has its own downside: it tracks indoors and washes into drains and lawns in spring, so plan to sweep it up when the season ends.

When Pets Are in the Picture

Rock salt can irritate paws and is not something you want dogs licking off their feet. If you have pets, ask for a pet-safe de-icer for the walkways and steps they use most, and wipe paws after walks.

How We Handle Ice

Our seasonal salt service is $175 + HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, not just snowfall days. If you have pets, our pet-safe de-icer is $120 + HST. Both are add-ons to a seasonal plan that runs December 1 to March 31, with a timestamped photo after every visit.

A Simple Plan for Icy Mornings

Keep a small bucket of de-icer and a scoop by the door so you can treat the steps before anyone heads out. Clear loose snow first, because salt spread on top of snow just turns it to slush that refreezes. Treat the spots people actually walk: the front steps, the path to the car and the area by the garage door. Check the forecast the night before, and if freezing rain or a sharp overnight drop is coming, put down a light layer in the evening. Next morning, add sand or grit only where the surface is still slick.

Salt vs Sand FAQ

Can I mix salt and sand?

Yes. Many homeowners do, so the salt melts while the sand gives instant grip. Just remember the sand will need sweeping in spring.

Does salt damage new concrete?

It can, especially in the first winter. Use it sparingly and ask your installer what they recommend for your surface.

Want ice handled for you this winter? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. Learn more about salting and ice control.

What's included… and what's extra

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

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.