Traction Magic Vs Sand: Which One To Use?

Traction Magic and sand are both used to improve grip on snow and ice, but neither should be confused with an ice-melting material. Sand works as a traditional abrasive that can increase friction, although traffic can scatter it and cleanup may be required. Traction Magic is a traction agent intended to improve surface grip rather than melt ice. The better option depends on the surface, traffic level, desired duration of traction, and cleanup requirements.

When you compare Traction Magic and sand ask yourself the following questions:

Will it provide enough traction? Is it a good alternative for natural ways to melt snow and ice? Will it harm the environment? 

Key Takeaways

• Both sand and traction agents are used primarily to improve grip on slippery surfaces.
• Sand increases friction but may be displaced by vehicles, foot traffic, wind or snow removal.
• Traction materials do not necessarily melt ice; traction and deicing are different functions.
• Excess loose material should be cleaned up rather than allowed to accumulate near drains.
• The most appropriate option depends on the surface, weather, traffic and whether the goal is traction or actual ice removal.

How To Increase Traction For Tires On Ice?

Traction agents are used to build traction and not melt ice. They absorb the excess water, making the surface dry and rough. 

As a business owner, one thing that remains on top of your mind is the ability to keep your employees and customers safe from the adverse effects of ice. Yet, you look around, and all you see is salt and sand, chloride-based ice melts, and that’s it. Rarely do you come across a product engineered to be cost-effective, safe, and eco-friendly? 

How Do Traction Materials Work on Ice?

Traction materials increase friction between a slippery surface and shoes or tires. Abrasive particles create a rougher contact surface that can provide additional grip. This differs from deicing, where a material is used to melt or loosen ice. A traction material may improve grip even when the underlying ice remains in place.

Traction vs Ice Melting: What Is the Difference?

Traction and deicing solve different winter problems. A traction material is intended to improve surface friction, while a deicer is intended to melt or weaken the bond between ice and the surface. Before choosing a material, determine whether the immediate goal is better grip, ice removal, or both.

What Factors Affect Traction Performance?

Traction performance can vary according to surface condition, traffic, snowfall, temperature, particle displacement and application rate. A material that provides useful grip immediately after application may need to be reapplied after traffic, additional snowfall or surface disturbance.

Pros & Cons Table

Warnings and Limitations

Traction materials can improve grip, but they do not make an icy surface risk-free. They should not be treated as substitutes for snow removal or deicing when ice removal is required. Performance varies according to weather, surface condition, traffic and application rate. Loose abrasive material can also be displaced after application. When using dry sand, avoid creating unnecessary airborne dust and remove excess material before it reaches drains or runoff pathways.

Traction Magic

Traction Magic is one such product that provides complete safety in every way.

By meeting the strict guidelines of the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Traction Magic meets consumer and environmental expectations. You might be looking for an eco friendly ice melt but it is not an ice melt. It beats rock salt and other blends by providing instant traction on any slippery surface. It comprises seven natural minerals and volcanic rock granules that are spiky, cut through ice, and remain there. So whether you are at home, on the go, or at work, Traction Magic provides you with instant traction on slippery surfaces.

Sand

Here are some of the side effects of sand that are often ignored or not known to the buyer:

• Health Hazards

Sand if inhaled may affect your lungs. In addition, it might prove harmful to pets, kids, and adults alike.

• Messy solution

The excessive sand around your commercial establishment may travel with the wind and enter your home or office, making it dusty. It seeps inside the pores of your carpet, grooves of your windows and doors, and gets stuck on your car’s AC vents too.   

• Blocks gutters 

When you sweep the sand towards the gutters or drains, it is highly possible to block the vents, making it difficult for the water to flow. It piles up inside the gutter or drain and is difficult to remove.

Conclusion 

While many people use sand, thinking it provides good traction for tires on ice; however, it is advisable only to use proprietary traction agents. Traction Magic can absorb water and build traction for a more extended period, making it a better alternative to sand.
If you wonder does concrete melt with Traction Magic, it does not. However, using sand does not prove good for the environment, kids, pets, and even you.

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