Snow Melt That Does Not Damage Concrete

If you are using salt or other ingredients to melt snow in the winter ice storms, you are not alone. Many people use these agents every year and it offers a temporary fix to solve the problem. However, there are problems with using these agents, especially if they are salt-based. They are damaging your surfaces. You may not even know the damage they are doing until the snow melts and you find the damage left after a winter freeze. On average, Americans use 20 million tons of salt every year to clear their driveways, roads, and highways. The amount of damage it causes the flora, fauna, and aquatic life is unsurmountable. With all these factors in mind, we have articulated a brief regarding the use and misuse of different ice melt that won’t damage concrete and the effects of various chloride-based products. 

Different ice melt that won’t damage concrete and the effects of various chloride-based products. 

What Is Rock Salt? 

Rock salt or sodium chloride is a salt mined from large underground mines and repositories formed by prehistoric ocean evaporation. New York, Louisiana, Michigan, and other cities of America have several salt mines regularly mined all year round.  

The first use of rock salt as a deicer was in the late 1930s, and ever since then, everyone has continued to use it. Every year the amount of salt that melts and flows into water is unbelievable. But, unfortunately, so much salt is harmful to the environment and aquamarine life as well. 

Pet Safe Ice Melt

How Does Rock Salt Work? 

Rock salt quickly melts the ice and forms a solute. The sodium and chloride interact with ice and lowers the freezing point, disallowing the water to refreeze for a while. But over time, prolonged use of salt on the road, on driveways, or anywhere will have a lasting impact. 

• Rock salts’ acidic compounds are corrosive for vehicles and other metals around. These damages are not visible immediately but over some time. 
• Salt composition also harms bricks, asphalt, and even wood, because it causes abrasions and cuts making them unadvisable.
• Excessive salt is not suitable for your landscape because frequent use causes deposits on the soil that prevents pollination, airing your garden, and seeps through the ground, thus affecting the roots of your plants. You will notice the difference in due course and not immediately. You will have to keep changing your garden or flower bed every season. 
• They are harmful to your pets as excessive sodium intake can cause diarrhea or vomiting, and the salt granules can hurt their paws too. 
• They are the cheapest in the market and have a long shelf-life, thus, making people purchase them in bulk. 

Several people are unaware of the different ice melt that won’t damage concrete and thus purchase the rock salt. 

What Is The Difference Between Salt And Other Ice Melt Products? 

Several residents have begun looking for concrete-safe ice melt products in the market now. However, the number of ice melter products can overwhelm any buyer, and, thus it is essential to explore the different products before finalizing your purchase.  

As mentioned above, rock salt is the cheapest option in the market, and buyers are unaware of the available options. Thus, making the purchase decision entirely uninformed and not calculated. You must evaluate all the options before making your final purchase. 

Besides Rock Salt, You Also Have Chloride-Based Ice Melter Products Such As – 

Calcium Chloride (CaCl)

It is effective in colder temperatures and can help in melting ice even at -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is more expensive than other ice melter products in the market. It creates heat when it comes in contact with ice and melts it almost immediately. It is less harmful to your garden and foliage, but it is not entirely free of any danger to them. 

Calcium chloride is known for its ability to melt ice in temperatures as low as -25°F. It’s faster acting than many other salts and can break through thick ice rapidly. However, its hygroscopic nature means it attracts moisture from the environment, which can be a double-edged sword—providing effective deicing while potentially contributing to re-freeze cycles on concrete surfaces. Although effective, it must be used judiciously to minimize potential concrete damage. Is it an Ice melt that doesn’t damage concrete? Well, you have the answer.

Do read the instruction manual or the steps to use behind the jar or box to ensure optimal use of the product. Overusing or underusing it will only result in damage and not help you. Many people apply the liquid combination of calcium chloride ice melt before the storm’s onset to create a safety net around their house. It becomes easier to spread the pellets after the snow has settled. 

Potassium Chloride (KCI)

It is hard to find independently and is often used with other deicers, such as rock salt, to blend. Although it is advertised as safe to use for your concrete and plants, it is a chloride at the end of the day, and it will lead to eventual damage to your property, especially concrete and brick. If you have pets at home with any kidney disease, potassium may prove harmful to them. It effectively melts snow in temperatures up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and beyond that, you will need to think of other alternatives. It is nearly 20 times more expensive than rock salt and can shift your monthly budget drastically. 

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl) 

It is effective up to -13 degrees Fahrenheit, and thus we find quite a few takers for this ice melt. However, you have to apply it in small quantities because overuse of magnesium can corrode metal, plants, asphalt, bricks, etc., as it draws too much moisture from the air to make it effective. If it attracts too much moisture, it will result in keeping your pavement, sidewalk, or driveway wet for a longer time. To make it more effective, people combine it with salt to fasten the process, making it more harmful to the environment. 

Calcium Magnesium Acetate 

It offers better protection to concrete-heavy areas such as ample parking spaces or garages, etc. However, it might not be the ideal option for homeowners because it is expensive, and you cannot use it individually. It costs nearly 30 times more than rock salt and can take a significant hit on your budget. It can refreeze, and because it draws a lot of moisture from the air, too, it will leave your driveway or sidewalks wet. Over application will lead to eventual damage to your plants and concrete.   

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Concrete-Safe Ice Melt Options

Keeping your walkways clear in winter is a challenge that every homeowner faces.  Double the level of challenge if you want to keep the driveway clear without risking damage to concrete surfaces. This is where the importance of choosing the right concrete safe ice melt comes into the picture. So, how do you know your choice of ice melt products for concrete is correct? Well, the best ice melt for concrete won’t cause spalling, cracking, or pitting. Not all ice melt products are kind to concrete, so it’s essential to opt for those that are specially formulated to be a safe ice melt for driveways and concrete. Among these are certain proprietary blends like Safe Paw, specifically designed to offer the ice-melting capability without the corrosive properties of common salts.

Sawdust, Wood Shavings, and Straw

Many consider sawdust and wood as the alternative option to melt ice. But did you know that materials like sawdust, wood shavings, and straw do not melt ice? However, these can provide a natural traction layer on top of icy surfaces. While they don’t offer the same melting power as chemical deicers, these materials are completely safe for concrete and can be easily cleaned up once the ice melts. They’re particularly useful in maintaining grip on pathways without the risk of damaging the underlying surface.

DIY Ice Melt Solutions

For those looking for homemade alternatives, creating a DIY ice melt solution can be an intriguing project. Mixing common ingredients like salt, sawdust, or even sugar with water can create a more concrete-safe ice melt solution. These mixes can be tailored to reduce the concentration of harsh chemicals, offering a gentler alternative to store-bought products. However, it’s important to note that while these solutions are easier on your budget, their effectiveness can vary widely based on the conditions and materials used.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

Urea And Sand

Urea is a fertilizer, and sand offers traction. You can use these both in rotation to help you during winters, but it may not serve the ultimate purpose of keeping you safe any time you want. They are not harmful to the environment. 

Sand is easy to wipe off and tends to run off in the water after ice melts, thus causing water-logging in certain areas. In addition, it can accumulate near storm drains, causing water overflow. Finally, it tends to become dust after sand dries up and can enter your home, making it messy.  

In addition to all the above-mentioned deicing methods, people also use beet juice or brine to melt ice, however, it causes other problems such as absorption of oxygen from water, thus harming marine life. 

By exploring these options, you ensure your driveways and sidewalks stay clear without compromising the integrity of the concrete or the safety of your household and pets. Each approach offers a different balance of effectiveness, environmental impact, and surface safety, allowing you to choose the most suitable solution for your winter weather needs.

The Problem With Salt Or Other Snow Melt Agents

No one can deny the ease of use and access to salt agents. The problem is the corrosive properties inherent in salt. Salt is naturally hard on the ice, but it is also hard on concrete, resulting in sometimes corroding the surface of your sidewalks, porch, and other surfaces. You don’t want to have damage done to your outside surfaces just because a winter storm hits. You need to find an ice melt solution that gets rid of the ice without leaving damaged surfaces behind.

With all deicers and ice melt products, you must shovel or blow the snow away before applying it to make it more effective. However, with Safe Paw concrete safe snow melt, you need not worry about all these factors. You can use it as soon as the snow has settled and spread it evenly on the surface. You will see the effects almost immediately. 

Our recent conversation with a homemaker, and a regular Safe Paw user, reassured us of our product and its use. Having experimented with other products so far, she was never satisfied with the result, i.e., the aftermath of winters. The dried residue around the pavement and the landscape almost always left her clueless about ensuring it doesn’t repeat. However, after using Safe Paw for nearly two years, she noticed a visible difference after the snow melted and the winters receded. There was no residue, and the product did not damage her plants either. 

Safe Paws natural acting formula made the difference.

The Solution

The solution is to find snowmelt that doesn’t damage concrete. It also needs to be something that really works and is tough on the ice, but not on your concrete surfaces. Safe Paw is the solution. It offers a 100% salt-free agent that is guaranteed to be safe for your pets, children, and others, while still doing a number on ice and snow. 

It leaves an invisible shield behind to protect your surfaces. It is easy to use, and safe on all major surfaces. Many veterinarians, groomers, human societies, and others consider it the #1 selling brand of snowmelt available! That’s because it’s safe and it works.

We understand what chemicals to use on your concrete surfaces and that’s why we designed a product that would not damage your concrete, while still doing a number on ice and snow. You don’t want anyone to fall or end up with a lawsuit due to your negligence. So make sure you get some Safe Paw Ice Melt to take care of this problem before it ends in a tragedy. Older people, especially, are prone to falling and you don’t want to risk a serious injury. It is easy to use and does not leave any damage behind on your concrete like salt and other chemicals do.

Safe Paw Ice Melter was recently awarded the PTPA Green Product Seal for its safety to the environment and that’s important too.

Conclusion 

You will always receive conflicting views of various ice melt products in the market. All you need to ensure is – 

• Safety of your kids
• Safety of your pets
• Safety of your concrete and home
• Safety of your landscape and garden

Each product offers something more than the other or less than the other; however, with Safe Paw, you know you are in for a package deal that offers you all-around protection throughout winters. So you not only have a snow melt safe for concrete, but it also saves you from any extra expenditure. 

• It is easy to store. 
• It is not harmful, even if ingested accidentally. 
• It does not form lumps. 
• Works on all types of ice and snow temperatures. 
• It is safe on all decking materials. 
• It is an excellent traction agent and can be used anytime and on any surface. 
• It prevents the ice from accumulating and becoming sticky on the surface after application and can last for up to 72 hours. In addition, it makes shoveling much easier afterward. 

So if you are looking for a real solution to the ice problem when the winter storms bearing down on you, keep your kids, visitors, and the environment safe with Gaia Enterprises Safe Paw™ Ice Melter. It’s the perfect solution to the ice problem outside your home.

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