Should I keep my Ottawa driveway plowed before salting?

Yes, you should always plow or shovel your Ottawa driveway before applying salt or de-icing chemicals. Removing the bulk of the snow first allows the salt to contact the pavement surface directly, making it far more effective at melting remaining ice and preventing new ice formation.

Why Plowing First Matters

Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, but it needs direct contact with the pavement to be effective. When you apply salt on top of several inches of snow, it has to melt through all that snow before reaching the actual driveway surface. This wastes salt, delays ice melting, and often leaves you with a slushy mess that refreezes into a bumpy, uneven ice surface as temperatures drop overnight.

In Ottawa's climate, where we regularly see temperatures swing from -5°C during the day to -20°C at night, this refreeze effect is particularly problematic. The slush created by salting unplowed snow becomes a thick ice sheet that's actually more dangerous and harder to remove than the original snow would have been.

The Right Sequence for Ottawa Driveways

First, plow or shovel the driveway down to within 1-2 cm of the pavement surface. Don't worry about getting every flake — a thin layer remaining is actually helpful because it gives the salt something to work on immediately. Then apply your de-icing product at the recommended rate (typically 1-2 pounds per 1,000 square feet for rock salt).

For asphalt driveways, be gentle with metal-edged snow shovels and plow blades, especially if your driveway has been recently sealcoated. Gouges from aggressive snow removal damage the protective sealcoat layer and create entry points for water and salt. For interlock driveways, keep plow blades slightly raised to avoid catching and displacing pavers that may have heaved slightly from freeze-thaw cycles.

Salt Considerations for Ottawa Driveways

Rock salt (sodium chloride) is the most common and economical choice, but it becomes less effective below -15°C — a temperature Ottawa reaches regularly. For better performance in extreme cold, consider calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, though these cost more. If you have a concrete driveway, especially one less than a year old, use sand for traction instead of any salt during the first winter to prevent surface scaling damage.

When to Hire a Pro

Consider professional snow removal if you have a long or steep driveway, mobility limitations, or simply want the convenience. Many Ottawa snow removal services offer seasonal contracts that include both plowing and salting, ensuring proper timing and application rates while protecting your driveway surface from damage.