Winter brings its share of challenges, and icy sidewalks and driveways can turn into dangerous obstacles. Finding the right snow ice melt can help keep your property safe and accessible. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of ice melts and their benefits to make an informed choice. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best ice melt for your needs.
Understanding Different Types of Ice Melts
Rock salt (sodium chloride): The most common and affordable option, rock salt is effective at melting ice in temperatures above 20°F (-6°C). It works well for general use but can be harsh on plants and concrete.
Calcium chloride: Effective at much lower temperatures, calcium chloride can melt ice in
temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C). It works quickly and is less damaging to surfaces, though it is more expensive than rock salt.
Magnesium chloride: This is another effective option for very cold temperatures, as low as -13°F (-25°C). It’s less corrosive and more environmentally friendly compared to rock salt and calcium chloride.
Potassium chloride: Often used in combination with other deicers, potassium chloride is effective in temperatures above 20°F (-6°C). It’s less harmful to vegetation and concrete but can be more costly.
Considerations for Choosing Ice Melt
Temperature range: Choose an ice melt based on the lowest temperature you expect. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are better for extremely low temperatures, while rock salt works well for milder conditions.
Surface safety: Consider the surfaces you’ll be treating. Rock salt can be abrasive and damage concrete over time. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride are generally gentler on surfaces.
Environmental impact: If you’re concerned about environmental impact, opt for eco-friendly options like potassium chloride or blended deicers that are less harmful to plants and water sources.
Application Tips
Pre-treatment: Apply ice melt before snow accumulation to prevent ice from forming and make snow removal easier. This helps in preventing ice from bonding to the surface.
Post-snow treatment: After clearing snow, apply ice melt to remaining patches of ice to ensure they melt away. This also helps prevent refreezing.
Proper usage: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates. Overusing ice melt can be harmful to the environment and surfaces.
Safety Precautions
Protective gear: When applying ice melt, wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing to avoid skin irritation. Avoid inhaling dust or granules.
Pet safety: If you have pets, choose pet-friendly ice melts or apply them carefully to avoid contact with paws. Rinse off any residue from your pet’s paws to prevent ingestion.
Storage and Disposal
Store properly: Keep ice melt in a dry, cool place to prevent it from becoming ineffective. Moisture can cause the product to clump or degrade.
Dispose responsibly: Follow local regulations for disposing of any leftover ice melt.
Avoid dumping it in areas where it can run off into water sources.
Evaluate and Plan Ahead Review performance: After each winter season, assess the performance of the ice melt products you used. Consider any issues or benefits to refine your choice for the next season.
Stock up: Buy ice melt in advance of the winter season to ensure you’re prepared. Store it properly to maintain its effectiveness.
Choosing the right snow ice melt can significantly impact the safety and accessibility of your property during winter. By understanding the options available and considering your specific needs, you can make an informed decision that keeps your walkways and driveways safe and clear.
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Todd Wilhelm2024-10-01Had sod installed at my house in Amherst. Job done very quickly and well. Highly recommended. Will be using them again for spring 2025 project.
Md Mia2024-09-27RDK Tree Service removed a large maple by the power lines. It was definitely not a easy job. They did the job safely and did it rather quickly. I will definitely recommend them for your tree services.
Bike Lover2024-09-27Residing in Buffalo NY, and needed to remove a large tree in the backyard and front yard. The crew did a fantastic job with removing it along with the stump. We are so impressed. Thank you RDK!
selvachandran saravanan2024-09-25Did a job here in my rental property in Amherst of removing two 60-70ft pine trees with stump removal and prepped an area for parking. RDK Landscaping is the one you should go to with your tree and landscaping/hardscaping needs. They are just the best overall!!
jackary Rootis2024-09-24I highly recommend them. Great crew, Super easy to work with. They’re doing a great job out here in East Amherst. Not only did I use them, but my neighbor and their son did as well and we couldn’t be happier.
DIANE Abram: Toot-Toot Daycare2024-09-21I hope these pictures speak for itself. I had called couple of companies to my property in Northampton, Buffalo, but only RDK Landscaping had come out so quick to give a quote for a project we started and couldn’t finish. They were so quick, efficient and had completed the project in about 2 days. They did a beautiful job, and answered all my questions throughout the entire process. I am so very thrilled about the results and could not recommend more! They are doing wonderful projects.
Dan Duggan2024-09-19RDK Landscaping did an amazing job! We had 8 dead ash trees at our property in Clarence that needed to be taken down given their proximity to the house and garage, in addition to two trees close to the power lines. I was very impressed with how quickly Roy and his team responded, came out to the property and got the job done. I would highly recommend them!
Andres Martinez2024-09-14Everybody at RDK Landscaping was a pleasure to deal with, we had a big project with them to clear up some really overgrown gardens beds around our garage, they went above and beyond making our space useable again. Once the project was complete they made sure to clean everything up and even cleared some weeds we had on our driveway that we hadn’t even mention to them. Can’t recommend them enough and will be calling them first for any future landscaping projects.
Esther Guess2024-09-12The guys were quick and effective at getting all that ivy down. Great work!
