The Perils of De-Icer

Winter is here, along with lots of snow and ice, so I thought I'd take a moment to remind you that "sidewalk salt" can do major damage to your sidewalk.

Those pits and cracks are expensive to fix! The instructions on the bag are informative: as usual, the large print giveth, and the fine print taketh away.

As the small print says, you should only use this stuff on concrete that's sealed and well-cured. Also be sure to remove the slush right away, and clear concrete stairs by hand instead of using salt.

Speaking of slush, that stuff is terrible for pets. Consider walking your dog away from roads and sidewalks, and maybe even get him a pair of boots.

A post shared by ChuckleBuckle (@chuckthewonderdog) on Jan 18, 2016 at 6:29pm PST

Or you could skip the de-icer altogether and use sand or kitty litter to add traction instead.

While you're doing your winter maintenance, don't forget to get your woodstove or fireplace ready for the chilly season.

And once you're cozy and warm indoors, why not get started on all of those indoor projects you've been putting off all summer? We'll be glad to help.

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