At what temperature does salt stop melting ice?

• <div><p>When temperatures drop far enough, even rock salt can’t melt the ice. The briny solution freezes before it develops, and the salt doesn’t work, which happens around <b>10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that </b>wind chill and other factors impact ice-melting progress. Some ice melters, like magnesium chloride, work at colder temperatures and work better for deep winter freezes.</p></div>

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Q: How much does a good snow blower cost?

• <div><p><a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-annual-snow-removal-contract-cost.htm">Purchasing a snow blower costs</a> <b>$100 to $2,300 on average</b>. It all depends on the make, model, and age of the machine you choose. You can also go the rental route if you only need your snow blower for a temporary period. Renting a snow blower costs an average of <b>$75 per day</b> from your local hardware store or rental facility. </p></div>

Q: Can I use a snow blower on a deck or patio?

• <div><p>Yes, but it works best with lightweight snowblowers, the single-stage models or electric versions. Also, you need to have a rubberized intake edge on the ground and preferably rubberized auger paddles, not a metal version. Otherwise you may chip or damage the surface as you work. When it doubt, let the snow lie.</p><p>You can also use a snow blower on leveled gravel, but only if you carefully adjust the intake height so it doesn&rsquo;t kick up the gravel and turn it into flying missiles.</p></div>

Q: How do I know what size of snowblower to get?

• <div><p>Snowblowers come in <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-snow-blower.htm">three different sizes</a>: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.</p><p>A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that&rsquo;s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.</p></div>

Q: Can I use cat litter or sand to melt the ice in my driveway?

• <div><p>Some commercial services use <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/sand-vs-salt-for-snow.htm">sand when clearing ice</a>, but that&rsquo;s to add instant traction, not to melt the ice. While you can scatter kitty litter, sand, or similar substances on steps, paths, or porches to improve safety during icy conditions, they won&rsquo;t help melt hardened ice. Rely on salt or other de-icing methods to fully melt away stubborn ice.</p></div>

Q: At what temperature does salt stop melting ice?

• <div><p>When temperatures drop far enough, even rock salt can&rsquo;t melt the ice. The briny solution freezes before it develops, and the salt doesn&rsquo;t work, which happens around <b>10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that </b>wind chill and other factors impact ice-melting progress. Some ice melters, like magnesium chloride, work at colder temperatures and work better for deep winter freezes.</p></div>

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*The Angi rating for Snow Removal companies in Story City, IA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Snow Removal needs.

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Last update on November 10, 2025

Reviewed in October 2023
Very professional and friendly. Thoroughly cleaned areas after junk was removed.
Junk B Squared Away, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2023
David and Brian arrived promptly, were polite, explained and showed me exactly what they were doing, cleaned up well afterward, and diligently removed shoes or wore booties in my house. They completed the job quickly and efficiently. Would definitely recommend them!
US Energy Savers
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Reviewed in July 2021
Timing from when I received the quote and scheduling the work was just as Mr. Skinner told me. The contractors came with the list of installation and removal of old equiptment that Mr Skinner and I put together with a smile and the attude of getter done. Thank you again BCarney
Sears Home Services - Kansas City HVAC
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Reviewed in June 2020
I called Pitts after being strung along by another tree service on removal of the second of two large Green Ash trees on my residential lot in Boone, IA. The previous company took a bid on two trees, dropped the easier one at the front of the house and started making excuses and stalling on the...
Pitts Lawn & Tree Service
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Reviewed in February 2020
Phil and his crew rearranged their current jobs to ensure that our floors were refinished in time to get the painting done before our move-in date. We also asked them to remove all the baseboards and quarter round - which was good thing because then we could see how poorly the flooring had been...
Oak Wood Floor
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Reviewed in October 2016
They were in and out about 4 days total, they cleaned up everything each day at the end of the day even though I told them they didn't need to do that. They removed all the debris! They did an excellent job and would definitely recommend them to anyone and everyone that needs anything done!!
Love's Heating & AC
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Reviewed in March 2016
They usually run a special from spring and fall and that is usually I get. I have not had a spot that they have not been able to remove. It is done really well and they their prices are very comparable. I live 35-miles outside of the metro area. It is very rural and they do not charge me extra...
Durachem
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Reviewed in June 2013
We hired Iowa Wildlife Control in May of 2012 for a simple job that was to take a week to complete. Three months later the job was still not done and the owner of the company sent me an email saying he has "given up". But he would not return the payment for his services! During the three months...
Iowa Wildlife Control
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Reviewed in November 2012
Very well. I contacted them on the website about whether they would be interested in doing such a job, and they called me back with 2 days. They went out to the job site and gave us an estimate within 4-5 days. Started job within a week. Job was completed in 1 day. They chipped up smaller...
D & J'S COMPLETE TREE SVC
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Reviewed in November 2008
Tom arrived to do an estimate when he said he would and he was polite and professional. He made it clear that he might not get to my job for weeks because of a backlog of work. I was fine with that. He didn't give me a specific date when the tree would be cut down. In fact, he just showed up one...
FOREVER GREEN TREE SERVICE INC
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Rooted Outdoor Solutions

Rooted Outdoor Solutions

AG Home Repairs

AG Home Repairs

Tactical Landscapes and Services

Tactical Landscapes and Services

MidState Solution

MidState Solution

K&M Exteriors LLC

K&M Exteriors LLC

Wyatt Construct

Wyatt Construct

Cinderella cleaning

Cinderella cleaning

Madd Ox Tree Service and Snow Removal, LLC

Madd Ox Tree Service and Snow Removal, LLC

Haan Services

Haan Services

Zed Construction

Zed Construction

The Story City, IA homeowners’ guide to snow removal services

How Much Does It Cost to Install Snow Guards? [2025 Data]

How Much Does Snow Removal Cost? [2025 Data]

Sand vs. Salt for Snow: What to Know

Snow Thrower vs. Snow Blower: The Key Differences Between These Two Snow-Clearing Machines

Rock Salt vs. Ice Melt: Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips

How To Pick What Size Snow Blower You Need

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