To avoid sliding in front of you, we have the solution! And it is certainly already at home.
It is one of the traps of winter, especially in town or in the morning leaving home. The slide can be quick and the consequences can be serious with, sometimes key injuries. The ice is uncommon but difficult to locate or avoid when you have to join your work, go to school looking for the youngest or for an important meeting. While the snow was expected, it is indeed the ice which promises to be the number one trap on February 7, 2025 with a yellow alert from Météo France on 16 departments. It will be mainly in the West in Normandy but also in Pays-de-la-Loire, in Hauts-de-France and in some departments of Ile de France: Val d’Oise, Yvelines and Essonne. Also be careful in the Ardèche department, also affected by this alert.
Now is the time to protect your entrance, your aisle or your terrace to avoid any accident. A fall quickly arrived when the ground is freezing. Do not invest in tons of sand or salt, there is a free and easy solution to protect in front of your home, and it may already be at home. This little -known ingredient is an excellent ally against the ice and may well replace traditional methods that can cause other problems.
Slipping salt is commonly used to avoid slides, but it has several drawbacks. It is harmful to the environment because it pollutes the floors and rivers, making the vegetation more fragile. In addition, it accelerates the corrosion of vehicles and infrastructure. As for the sand, if it improves adhesion, it can obstruct the pipes when it is in large quantities.
It is simply a wood ash. Rich in minerals, it has several interesting properties. It contains potassium and other mineral salts that help melt the ice. Unlike road salt, it is biodegradable and does not harm the surrounding vegetation. In addition, its fine texture acts as a natural abrasive, immediately improving adhesion on laid surfaces.
The use of ash is really simple. Recover the cold ash from your fireplace and sift it to remove the pieces of unruted coal. Then dispersal it evenly on slippery surfaces, such as your alley or the sidewalk in front of your home. It acts quickly and remains effective even after several passages of pedestrians or vehicles.
In addition to being free and available for those who use a stove or a fireplace, ash is an ecological alternative which allows to fight against the ice without damaging the environment. So, this winter, before taking out your bag of salt, remember to recycle your ashes: your alley, your garden and the planet will thank you!