How To Keep Your Bricks And Concrete Safe This Winter?
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Outdoor walkways add beauty and value to your house. A simple path connecting your driveway to your main entrance looks elegant. Isn’t it? So, how do you take care of it in snowy weather? You may already know that using salt is not safe to use on brick and concrete. Then how do you remove ice without damaging the bricks and affecting their longevity?
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Salt is the most popular ice melt choices out there. But did you know that it’s the worst choice you can make for your bricks and concrete? Here’s why-
Rock salt is essentially sodium chloride and releases the highest amount of chloride when dissolved in water. Chloride damages concrete, metal, and bricks. Salt-induced decay can decompose bricks and mortar.
Salts leave crystal deposits on bricks. These deposits, if allowed to seep into brick crevices, can cause “efflorescence.” Efflorescence causes discoloration of bricks, due to which they may look old and worn before they are.
Salt increases the hygroscopic moisture content of the masonry.
Salt-induced decay can decompose bricks and mortar.
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Almost every ice melt in the market contain one or the other chemical. Many chemicals can affect your bricks adversely, and a few of them are widely used in ice melt solutions. Aluminum Chloride, Ammonium Nitrate, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Magnesium Chloride, and Sodium Cyanide are some of the chemicals commonly found in ice melt.
On an evenly laid out brickwork, it is easy to clear the snow manually. But in case of improper installations, the presence of tree roots or uneven pathway due to expansion or contraction of the underlying soil, it shoveling or using a snowblower is hard. In such cases, the temptation to use ice melt increases.
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So, Is There Any Safe Ice Melt That You Can Use On Bricks?
Yes, there are. There is non-chloride, cement-safe ice melt available in the market that is non-toxic, pet-friendly, and non-corrosive. These are safe to use on bricks and are the best ice melt for the driveway as they act as pre-treatment also. Some ice melt can prevent ice from sticking to surfaces for up to three days, making it easy to clear the snow later.
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Since this ice melt is chloride-free and salt-free, it do not cause efflorescence or leave crystal deposits. They are also safe for plants & vegetation and pets.
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Often our walkways, patios, and even driveways are made of bricks. Choosing the best ice melt for a driveway can help you extend its lifespan. So, look for an ice melt that will keep melted ice in a liquid state for a longer duration. It means that ice melt will not refreeze as easily or as often, thus preventing the freeze-thaw cycle.For those with brick driveways, this season calls for particular attention to winter driveway maintenance and finding safe deicing solutions that won’t compromise the integrity of the surface.
Winter Driveway Maintenance
Effective winter driveway maintenance starts with preemptive measures. Before the snow even falls, ensure your driveway is clean and free of debris that could trap moisture. Regular inspections are key—lookout for cracks or shifts in the bricks that could allow water to seep in and freeze, exacerbating the damage. During snowfalls, clear snow off the driveway promptly using a plastic shovel to avoid scratching the brick surface.
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When it comes to ice melt alternatives, traditional salts might not always be the best choice due to their corrosive nature. Instead, consider using safer products like Safe Paw or sand, kitty litter, or even coffee grounds. These provide necessary traction without the chemical risk, making them safer for both the brick surface and the surrounding environment.
Brick Driveway Care
Proper brick driveway care in winter means avoiding methods that could be damaging in the long term. Avoid using metal tools for snow removal. Opt for plastic shovels and always shovel in the direction of the bricks to minimize the risk of lifting or cracking them. Post-snowfall, it’s crucial to remove any residual de-icing products quickly to prevent them from seeping into the porous especially if you have been using chemical-based ice melts.
Eco-Friendly Ice Melt
Selecting an eco-friendly ice melt is vital for maintaining the condition of your driveway and the safety of your local ecosystem. Products like Safe Paw are specifically formulated to be non-corrosive and are safe for pets, children, and all types of masonry, including bricks.
Masonry Protection
Applying a high-quality sealer before the onset of winter can greatly enhance your masonry protection strategy. Sealers help repel water and reduce the formation of ice layers, making it easier to manage the ice that does form.
Winter Brick Maintenance
Winter brick maintenance involves more than just reactive measures; it also means preparing for harsh conditions. Cover the less frequently used sections of the driveway with breathable, waterproof covers to prevent snow accumulation and reduce the need for chemical deicers.
Non-Damaging Ice Melt
Using non-damaging ice melt products ensures that the driveway remains intact. Look for products labelled as safe for masonry and free from harsh chemicals that can lead to spalling, cracking, or other damage over time.
Brick Preservation
To ensure brick preservation, limit the use of any harsh chemical deicers and regularly check for drainage issues. Proper drainage helps prevent water from pooling and freezing, which is a common cause of brick damage in winter.
Safe Deicing Solutions
The best safe deicing solutions are those that effectively melt ice without causing undue harm to the driveway material or the environment. Techniques such as pre-treatment with liquid deicers can prevent ice from bonding too strongly to the brick, making physical removal easier and less harmful.
Handling Common Deicing Chemicals:
Calcium Chloride: Though effective, it can leave a residue that may require cleaning and can be harsh on vegetation if runoff is not managed.
Potassium Acetate: While less corrosive, it’s important to consider its cost and ensure it’s applied correctly to avoid overspending.
Sodium Acetate: Known for its biodegradable properties, it is a safer choice but must be applied in correct quantities to be effective.
So, the care you take in selecting the right deicing product can significantly impact the longevity and safety of your brick driveway. Opting for environmentally friendly and material-safe products like Safe Paw not only preserves the integrity of your driveway but also protects the flora and fauna in your community. By choosing wisely and preparing thoroughly, you can ensure that your driveway remains both beautiful and functional throughout the winter season and beyond.
FAQs
A. Ice melt can be safe for concrete if used properly. However, excessive use of certain ice melts, especially those containing calcium chloride or sodium chloride, can potentially degrade concrete. It’s important to use ice melts sparingly and according to the manufacturer’s instructions to minimize potential damage.
A. When choosing an ice melt for concrete, look for a product that specifies it’s safe for concrete. Ingredients such as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) are typically safe for concrete. Avoid products with high sodium content as they can be more damaging.
A. Ice melt damage on concrete can be repaired using a concrete resurfacer. Clean the damaged area thoroughly, apply the resurfacer following the manufacturer’s instructions, and allow it to cure completely before using the surface.
A. Ice melt is generally better for concrete as it is less corrosive and damaging than rock salt. Rock salt can lead to pitting and cracking on concrete surfaces, while ice melt products can be formulated to be safe for concrete.
A. No, you should avoid using ice melt on newly poured concrete. The new concrete surface takes up to a year to settle and hence its advisable to use any ice melt, even if its eco-friendly.
A. The frequency of ice melt application depends on the product and the weather conditions, but generally, it is safe to reapply after every snowfall or icy condition. Overuse can lead to damage, so it’s important to use only the necessary amount.
A. Sand, kitty litter, or coffee grounds can provide traction on icy surfaces, although they do not melt the ice. Heated stair mats or driveway heating systems can also be used as alternatives to ice melt.
A. The frequency of ice melt application depends on the product and the weather conditions, but generally, it is safe to reapply after every snowfall or icy condition. Overuse can lead to damage, so it’s important to use only the necessary amount.
A. Some of the best brands for ice melt safe for concrete include Safe Paw, Green Gobbler, and Snow Joe. Always check that the product is specified as safe for concrete and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
A. Yes, some ice melt products can be harmful to pets. They can irritate their paws or be harmful if ingested. Pet-friendly ice melts, like Safe Paw Ice Melt, are designed to be safe for pets while still effectively melting ice.
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