ᐅ Spreading materials / grit for ice on permeable paving

Hello everyone,

We have permeable paving, which means you shouldn't use rock salt in winter on ice and snow. In any case, salt should be avoided.

Has anyone gained experience with alternative options? The first thing that comes to mind is gravel. But there are other alternatives as well:

- De-icing material made from crushed limestone granulate. Just search for "gravel de-icing Bauhaus." I wonder whether this causes white stains due to the limestone. However, it is not very inexpensive.
- Lava-based de-icing material.

Gravel is easy to get and affordable. But is it really the best method? After all, you also have to clear snow frequently, and gravel could get in the way.

What do you use?

Thanks a lot for your experiences and opinions.

The alternative is mineral grit or gravel. You have to dispose of it regularly, though. I have a fairly steep parking spot with permeable paving. Starting off in reverse on snow and ice is the challenge there. And although you’re not supposed to, I mix a handful of de-icing salt on each driving lane. I’ve been doing this for 11 years now, and nothing happens. After the first rain, it all washes away.

I think the sidewalk is paved with standard bricks. We are not supposed to use salt, but the surface often becomes very slippery, and my grandfather, who walks to the doctor, must not fall. So, in the morning I spread a mixture of salt and sand. The sand remains in place when it gets cold again in the evening and the rain or fog freezes.

World-e schrieb:

-Lava grit.

All I find are praises from various manufacturers – where does this material really come from and how is it processed? Until that’s clear, it’s impossible to say whether it is truly environmentally friendly.

Lava ash is good. They use that stuff in Iceland.

Wood shavings. Often available for free at sawmills.