Different Kinds of Ice Melt
When winter weather hits and you need to treat slick areas, such as icy sidewalks or steps, de-icer products are an effective option. They also make good companions to a snow blower by treating areas you can't reach with the machine and dissolving any ice the snow blower leaves behind.
Snow and ice melt products come in three common application forms:
Pellets
- Pea-sized and pea-shaped
- Easily penetrate beneath the ice surface
- Tend to roll away on sloped surfaces
Granules (Salt)
- Irregularly shaped particles
- Don't roll as easily as pellets
- Provide traction for driving and walking
- Often turn to dust for easy cleanup
Liquid
- Begins melting snow and ice quickly on contact
- Used to melt and prevent ice and snow from sticking
- Usually comes in a bucket with a sprayer applicator
- Often a concrete-safe and pet-safe ice melt option
You can also protect your driveway year-round. Learn how by reading How to Seal Concrete.
Active Ingredients in Ice Melt
The type of ice melt you choose should be based on several factors, including average outdoor temperature and if it'll come in contact with plants, animals or children. Here are the most common ice melt active ingredients:
Sodium Chloride (NaCl)
- Also known as ice melt salt/rock salt
- Melts ice and snow by lowering the freezing point of water
- Helps keep surfaces dry
- Affordable
- Provides traction
- Corrosive and may damage concrete, wood and plants
Calcium Chloride (CaCl2)
- Absorbs moisture from surroundings
- Creates heat as it turns to liquid
- Melts snow faster than sodium chloride (rock salt)
- Concrete-safe
- Works well in extreme cold
- Can burn skin and harm pets
Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2)
- Needs to be applied in larger amounts compared to calcium chloride
- Less corrosive (compared to rock salt)
- Considered by many to be a pet-safe ice melt option
- Easy cleanup
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
- Less corrosive (compared to rock salt)
- Usually sold in liquid form
- Biodegradable
- Concrete-safe ice melt
Ice melt products are often a blend of two or more of these ingredients. Typically, the effectiveness of ice melt is reduced as the temperature drops. Be sure to refer to the product label to see if that ice melt will work in your particular climate.
Want more tips and how-tos that'll help you prepare for winter? Check out our Winterize Your Home Checklist.
Effects of Ice Melt
Though ice melt can be a helpful tool to keep walkways safe, it can also be potentially damaging if used incorrectly. Here are some of the negative effects of ice melt caused by improper usage.
- Damage to Concrete: This can occur once your chosen product has melted any ice sitting on top of the concrete surface. The water can then run into existing cracks in the concrete and freeze, expanding the cracks further. Follow the instructions on your de-icing product and clear away melted ice or slush as soon as it forms to avoid these issues.
- Damage to Vegetation: This is caused by the overuse of de-icing products. Choose an appropriate product and only use the minimal amount.
- Corrosion: Chemicals present in de-icing products can be potentially corrosive for metals, especially sodium, calcium and potassium chloride. Avoid metal structures or railings when using ice melt.
- Tracking: Excess ice melt can be tracked indoors. Avoid this by selecting products that work quickly and break down easily, and ensure that you are not over applying the granules.
- Harm to Pets and Children: Some ice melt is harmful to pets in that it can damage their paw pads. Choose a pet-safe ice melt that is gentle on paws and non-toxic for people in cases of contact or ingestion.
Tips for Using Ice Melt Products
- Get a head start. When it begins to snow or ice, apply the product as soon as you can to prevent ice from forming.
- If there's snow accumulation, clear it away with a snow blower or shovel before applying the ice melt.
- Apply the product in a thin layer. For dry products, use a handheld or wheeled spreader, or apply from the jug, bag or with a large cup. For liquid formulas, use a garden sprayer that hasn't contained pesticides in the past.
- Some ice melt ingredients can irritate your skin, so wear gloves and any additional safety gear specified by the manufacturer.
- Some ice melts are corrosive and can damage concrete and plants. Once the ice has melted, remove any remaining residue with a shovel and dispose of it properly. Avoid shoveling de-icer in the grass or allowing it to accumulate near people, plants and animals.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for usage, storage and disposal of ice and snow melt products.
Some products state that they're safe to use around pets. But even though deemed safe, some manufacturers' products contain a blend of components. When the bulk of that is rock salt, calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, use with caution around pets and plants to avoid injury and damage.
What to Wear When Installing Ice Melt
When spreading ice melt around your home’s exterior, it’s important to wear the proper apparel to protect your skin from chemical irritation and the elements. If you have pets, you’ll need to keep them safe as well. Here’s a list of helpful items to consider.
- Heavy-duty work jackets and coats will keep you warm while working outside on a winter’s day. If you live in a part of the US with incredibly cold weather or plan to be outside for long periods of time, consider a heated jacket.
- Insulated boots will keep your feet warm when walking through the snow. And for days when the snow turns to slush, water-resistant boots will ensure your feet and upper calves stay dry. For icy weather, slip-resistant boots can help prevent falls.
- Protective headwear not only keeps your head and ears warm, but it also helps regulate your body temperature in a frigid environment.
- For your furry canine friends, pet shoes will protect your dog’s feet from ice melt chemicals and help prevent frost bite.