Many de-icer products, although they make sidewalks, driveways, and walkways safe, are harmful to the environment.
Hardscape-friendly de-icers for asphalt, brick, and concrete
I
n order to prevent anyone from being injured by slipping and falling on your sidewalks, some form of de-icer and/ or ice melt is essential. There are many types available.
Some are completely natural and found in your home; others are commercial products readily available online and at hardware stores and other retailers. However, many
environment. This can damage concrete sidewalks and it creates visible pockmarks. If rock salt is not a good option, then what is? There are at least three other materials used in producing ice melts. They all have different effects on your hardscape.
products, although they make sidewalks, driveways, and
1. Calcium chloride: This ice melt is available in pellet
walkways safe, are harmful to the environment. Not only
forms. It is white and may cause irritation if it comes
does this include animals and the living landscape, but also
into contact with human skin and animal paws. One
a home’s hardscape – the asphalt, brick, and concrete of the
of the main benefits is that it is highly effective at very
surrounding structures.
low temperatures (-50 degrees F). However, it can be damaging to landscapes and hardscapes. But don’t worry
The truth about ice melts and other de-icers The primary ingredient to melt ice is salt. The issue with salt is that it can be damaging to concrete. Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is the classic choice for de-icing. The reason
– it is less harmful than rock salt. The harmful effects of calcium chloride can be decreased if it is used in lower concentrations and less frequently. If you want to apply it to concrete or asphalt, do so in moderation. 2. Potassium chloride: This ice melt does not irritate the
people like it is because of the speed with which it works
skin. Yet, while it does not damage soft scape, it can be
and its cost since rock salt is very affordable. This is the
hard on concrete. It also has other drawbacks. It is only
main factor as to why it has been used by public and private
effective at temperatures above 15 degrees F. It can also
snow removal services for decades.
be an expensive choice.
However, rock salt can also be harmful to the environment
3. M agnesium chloride: This is one of the latest de-icers/
as it can pollute lakes and rivers. It also harms plant life,
ice melts. It is an effective ice melt at -13 degrees F.
therefore damaging your soft landscape. In addition, rock
Magnesium chloride also releases significantly less into
salt releases the highest percentage of chloride into the
the environment then either sodium chloride or calcium
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ISSUE 1 – 2020 | SNOW MANAGER
