When the roads get bad during the winter, the city or county will apply salt to help vehicles maintain traction while driving. It is not uncommon at all for homeowners to apply this same salt, or a similar type of salt, to their concrete driveways in order to gain traction and/or to melt ice that has formed on the driveway.

Unfortunately, salt can do significant damage to concrete. One way it does this is through the freeze-thaw cycle because the salt melts the ice, turning it into a water/slush mixture that can seep into your concrete where it can freeze. When it freezes, it will expand and result in cracks.

Then, of course, you have to consider the salt water mixture that results from this entire process. As it penetrates the concrete surface, it will attract more water, creating an even larger expansion once temperatures dip below freezing.

Your best alternative is to use sand or kitty litter underneath your tires instead of salt. Neither one of these will do damage to your concrete driveway, yet they will both help you get the traction that you need.

If you are interested in working with a professional and reputable concrete contractor for the installation or repair of a concrete driveway, contact Bayshore Construction Waterproofing & Foundation.