Why Is Ice Melt Bad For Concrete
Many people think that ice melt is not good for concrete without knowing why is ice melt bad for concrete. The reality is, this is only a half-truth. Not all ice melt products are bad for concrete. Chemical-based ice melt is bad for concrete because it can cause damage to your concrete. Its chemicals can cause cracks in the concrete, which can lead to the need for more expensive repairs and replacements.
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In this article, we will discuss why is ice melt bad for concrete. Let’s get started.
Avoid chloride-based ice melt.
Chloride-based ice melts are a type of salt. They work by dissolving into the water around ice and snow, lowering its freezing point so that it melts more easily and quickly. Chlorides are salts. They can be naturally occurring or synthetically produced. The main ingredient in most types of ice melt is sodium chloride, also known as rock salt or Halite.
Chloride-based ice melt products are corrosive.
Most chlorides are cheap, pollute your environment, corrode concrete and metal, and can damage the skin. And because they can get into our lakes, rivers, and streams, their use is regulated in many municipalities.
Most wholesale ice melt distributors use chlorides including— calcium chloride (CaCl2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), sodium chloride (NaCl), and potassium chloride (KCl).
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Use non-toxic alternatives
If you want to take care of the environment, your dog’s paws, and concrete at once, use a non-chloride ice melter.
Non-chlorides don’t contain any chloride (i.e., chlorine) or magnesium. They contain other natural elements. They’re safer for pets and the environment to handle.
One such Ice melt is Safe Thaw. It is also safer for metal surfaces like concrete slabs and steel railings. Chlorides can corrode metals like iron over time; while this isn’t typically an issue when using it on driveways or sidewalks (you won’t be walking on them), it’s still worth noting that non-chloride alternatives don’t have this side effect either!
Use traction agents for immediate traction
Fortunately, there are traction agents on the market for immediate traction. Traction Magic by Gaia is a great choice because it uses eco-friendly natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals or additives. It’s safe for concrete and is 0% corrosive or messy, unlike its alternatives—sand and kitty litter.
When is the best time to use ice melt?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. If you want to melt away snow and ice as fast as possible, then you’ll want to apply ice melt as soon as it starts snowing or freezing outside. You can also use it if there are already layers of frozen precipitation on the ground— make sure to shovel any excess snow before applying ice melt so that it doesn’t get washed away by rain or melted by warmer temperatures.
Get ready for winter with Traction Magic instant grip on snow and ice
Conclusion
We hope now you know why is ice melt bad for concrete. Chloride salts are effective but have certain drawbacks (like being corrosive) that can cost you a fortune in the long term.
Other Ice Melt Products
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Safe Thaw
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Ice and Snow Management You Can Trust.
