Does Safe Paw Work On New Concrete?

If you are looking for the best new concrete deicer, consider your surroundings, temperatures, and the melting agent’s corrosive qualities. Chloride-free ice melter products are not only safer for your furry friends, but they are also better for the environment and less corrosive to concrete and metal. Because no salt substances are used in these products, your pets and concrete will be far less likely to become sick. Safe Paws ice melter is unlike any other on the market and is safe for new concrete (older than 12 months), pets, and people.

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.

How Does Concrete Get Damaged Because Of Snow?

The porous concrete absorbs the melted ice and snow (slush) left on the surface. When this liquid (melted snow) re-freezes in the pore structure of the concrete, it expands, causing the surface to pop off and cause scaling. Safe Paw has a long-lasting effect and decreases the freeze-thaw cycle, thus, safeguarding your concrete that is more than a year old.

Ice Melt Safe For New Concrete

Safe Paw has several advantages versus salt when it comes to new concrete. First and foremost, Safe Paw is eco-friendly. It will cause no harm to surround rivers or land once it has completed its task and has been swept away. 

All surfaces, including concrete, rubber, paint, plastic, and pavers, are safe to use. You’ll probably want to use your ice melter on fresh concrete, but you might also need to treat existing concrete, walkways, stone, or other surfaces. You can safely use Safe paw ice melter on these surfaces which are treated and are at least 12 months old

When you use Safe Paw, you receive a timed-release action because it’s made of a modified crystalline amide core that’s laced with a glycol admixture. First, the ice begins to melt almost instantly, breaking the surface tension. The product’s core then destabilizes the ice, allowing it to melt more quickly. At the same time, a traction agent is incorporated to make walking on snow and ice simpler for you and your family.

Other Ice Melts

Rock salt or sodium chloride is the most common element in ice melt. It attacks the metal rebar within the concrete. It is equally damaging to the plants, soil, animals, and groundwater in the surrounding area. 

Calcium chloride creates an oily layer on the surface, discoloring the concrete. Other dangerous ice melt chemicals include magnesium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate. These chemicals damage the concrete and cause scaling and pop-outs.

Calcium magnesium acetate tends to leave a slush behind, making your new concrete more susceptible to freeze-thaw damage. 

Ice melts at a much slower rate with potassium chloride compared with other ice dissolvers. It will neither prevent slips or falls nor will it clear snow off the concrete. Both kitty litter and sand can aid with traction, but they are not effective in melting ice. 

When it comes to maintaining new concrete during the harsh winter months, it’s crucial to understand how freeze-thaw cycles can damage your surfaces. Whether you’re dealing with a freshly poured driveway or walkway, knowing how to protect new concrete from freezing is key to ensuring its longevity. While there are several ice melt products on the market, you should be particularly cautious when choosing one for newly laid concrete, as it’s more susceptible to damage.

Freeze-Thaw Cycles and Concrete Damage

Freeze-thaw cycles occur when water seeps into the porous surface of the concrete, then freezes and expands as temperatures drop. This expansion creates pressure, leading to cracks and surface scaling. For new concrete, which hasn’t fully cured, the damage can be even more significant. The process of curing takes up to 12 months, during which time the concrete is particularly vulnerable to harsh conditions. That’s why it’s essential to winterize new concrete before the first freeze sets in. Using protective covers and sealing the concrete can help, but avoiding the use of any ice melt for new concrete in its first year is the safest bet.

Safe Ice Melt Options for New Concrete

While no ice melt is fully recommended for new concrete, there are options that work well on older concrete surfaces and could be considered once your new concrete has fully cured. When it’s time to de-ice your driveway after that 12-month period, you’ll want to focus on safe ice melt for concrete surfaces that won’t corrode or damage the structure.

The best ice melt for new concrete (once it’s fully cured) should be non-corrosive and gentle. Many traditional ice melts, like those containing rock salt or calcium chloride, can accelerate damage due to their corrosive properties. Instead, look for non-corrosive ice melt options that won’t exacerbate surface scaling or cracking. These are typically chloride-free and specifically designed to minimize their impact on concrete.

Protect New Concrete from Freezing

Before applying any ice melt, it’s important to take preventative measures. To winterize new concrete, you can use protective barriers like insulated blankets during freezing temperatures, which help maintain a consistent temperature and protect the surface from freeze-thaw cycles. Sealing the concrete with a high-quality sealer is another great way to add a layer of protection. This helps block moisture from penetrating the surface, reducing the risk of freeze-thaw damage.

While you wait for your new concrete to cure, avoid any ice melt for concrete surfaces, as even the gentler options can be too harsh. It’s best to stick to shoveling snow and using non-slip mats or sand for traction. If you need an ice melt for concrete after the one-year mark, always choose a product that is labeled safe ice melt for new concrete to minimize potential damage.

Long-Term Winter Maintenance for Concrete

In the long run, protecting your concrete will involve a mix of proper sealing, maintenance, and choosing the right products. Non-corrosive ice melts, like Safe Paw, are designed to be gentle on concrete while still effectively melting ice. This makes them a great option for those looking to minimize the risk of salt damage or surface erosion after the concrete has cured. Although Safe Paw is a non-corrosive ice melt, even it is not recommended for use on concrete that is less than 12 months old.

In summary, the best ice melt for new concrete is no ice melt at all—at least for the first 12 months. During that time, focus on manual snow removal and protective measures. Once the concrete has fully cured, you can opt for non-corrosive ice melt solutions to keep your surfaces safe during the winter months. Always prioritize your concrete’s long-term health by choosing products that will protect rather than harm. 

Conclusion

Most ice melters contain a combination of sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Nausea, increased urination, abnormal blood pressure, dehydration, and neurological difficulties are some of the health issues that can occur in pets after swallowing chloride-based ice melters. Safe paws are safe for people, pets, and ecology.

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