De-Icing Options

Rock Salt

Rock salt (also known as sodium chloride) is one of the most widely used deicing chemical. It is inexpensive, easy to get, and works well (for temperatures above 15°F). Sprinkle a thin layer over the area you want to de-ice. The chemical reaction between the salt and the water results in heat, melting the ice.

Salt shouldn’t be your long-term solution for melting ice, because it can damage your lawn, erode your concrete, and cause animals to get sick! But in a pinch, it will do!

Calcium Chloride

Calcium Chloride granules or powder is another form of salt that is great for deicing and is good for temperatures down to -20°F. While a safer than rock salt for plants and animals, it can still harm them in large quantities.

Pet and Environmentally Friendly Alternative Chemicals

If you’re worried about environmental impacts from deicers, there are plenty of eco-friendly deicers on the market. Many claim to be pet-safe, less damaging to lawn and waterways, and less damaging to your concrete, if slightly less effective than traditional de-icers.

Sand

Another available option is sand. It doesn’t melt ice, but it can add traction to slippery areas. If you’re looking to get purchase for your tires on a slightly inclined driveway or help keep your sidewalk just a little safer, sand is a great option that won’t degrade your concrete or hurt your lawn. The biggest downside is the mucky mess it makes when the ice finally melts, but that’s a mop problem, which is certainly better than an injury problem! Sand can help on stairs, but melting the ice is the safer solution!

Anti-icers

Anti-icing solution is a chemical spray that is applied to your sidewalks and driveways before wintery mixes and snowstorms happen. Most come as a liquid in a jug and use a sprayer similar to a fertilizer or pesticide sprayer. Many claim to be eco and bio-friendly and non-toxic, though, like any chemical you apply outside, you’ll want to use it as sparingly as possible. Anti-icers are fairly easy to find and are a great choice for retail and multifamily properties, where slip and fall suits might be a concern.

Shoveling

Good, old- fashioned shoveling might do what you need if your ice isn’t too thick and you don’t have too large a surface to shovel. You’ll want to use a flat, wide shovel if you have one available.

For all of your winter de-icing needs, contact Monnick Supply.

Source: classicconstruction.com