Do NOT Use Ice Melt On New Concrete, And Here’s Why!

Concrete surfaces require excellent care, and if you are using a chloride-based ice melt, you have to be doubly sure. With every winter, snow and ice removal becomes a problem. Besides using ice melt and other snow removal equipment, your sidewalks, driveways, and streets are covered with snow, making it difficult to walk. Different snow-melt products cover the roads to curb any mishap and make it safe to walk on concrete. Hence, the biggest question you need to answer is—how to melt ice without salt or any chloride-based ice melt?

Why You Should Not Use Ice Melt On New Concrete? 

1. New concrete acts as a sponge to any external factors, including moisture and ice melters. 

2. New concrete cannot withstand the effect of ice melts or deicers. When the ice melts, it seeps inside new concrete, and the water refreezes as the temperature drops. The constant freeze/thaw cycle disrupts the way concrete settles. 

3. Constant freeze/thaw cycle weakens the concrete layers and exposes them to more damage. As the concrete cannot withstand further pressure, it begins to flake or peel. The water expands inside the new concrete and causes tiny pores and cracks. 

4. New concrete takes up to a year to settle and hence is not advisable to use any ice melt, even if it is eco-friendly. For example, any calcium chloride-based ice melter generates more heat because of a chemical reaction with water, thus creating heat pockets. Hence, experts advise not using any intense ice melt to remove the extra layer of 

5. Another reason why you shouldn’t use ice melt for new concrete is because of popouts. Popouts are caused if the ready-mix concrete provider you work with is not good quality. In addition, the internal swelling of the concrete can result in fragments of concrete breaking away from the surface due to pressure. 

The underlying reasons circle back to one thing—new concrete is prone to damage from ice melt due to the extensive heat generated from each of them. 

Importance Of Using Ice Melt On New Concrete

In the world of concrete ice melt best practices, using ice melt on new concrete is not recommended. The reason is that most ice melt products are risky for the new concrete. Not only because they are comprised of some kind of chemical but also due to the vulnerability of freshly poured surfaces to chemical and freeze-thaw damage. However, the absence of any ice control can pose safety risks to pedestrians and vehicles. Therefore, it is recommended that no ice melt should be used on any pre-cast concrete which is younger than 12 months. Once the concrete is mature and its chemical bonds are strong enough to restrict the seepage of water and chemicals, chloride-free ice melt products can be used.

Best Practices For Using Ice Melt On Concrete

To safeguard your concrete while ensuring it remains slip-free, follow these best practices:

• Use only concrete-safe products: Choose ice-melting solutions that are safe for new or “green” concrete. Remember, there is nothing like a ‘new concrete ice melt’. We do not recommend any ice melt on new concrete.
• Apply sparingly: More isn’t always better. Use the minimum amount necessary to break down ice.
• Prompt removal: After you’ve used the safe ice melt for concrete and it hasdone its job, promptly remove slush and residual product to minimize the exposure time.

Environmentally Friendly Ice Melt Options

Environmentally friendly ice melts are not only better for the earth but often safer for concrete surfaces. Look for products with labels that confirm they are biodegradable and free from harsh salts and chlorides. Unlike chloride-based ice melt products, Safe Paw is one of those rare compounds that is based on glycol and infused with natural traction agents to keep snow and ice away from your driveway without ruining concrete. That’s the reason it is considered the best ice melt for concrete.

Ice Melt Products For New Concrete

For new concrete, consider products specifically designed for minimal impact. These products typically contain less corrosive materials and are more effective at lower temperatures, reducing the freeze-thaw cycles that can damage fresh concrete.

Safe Ice Melt Solutions For Concrete Surfaces

Safe ice melt solutions such as those containing CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) are safer for new concrete and the environment. They help prevent re-freezing at lower temperatures without the harsh effects of traditional salts.

Winter Concrete Protection Strategies

Protect your concrete from winter’s harsh effects by:

• Sealing: Applying a high-quality sealant can help protect against moisture penetration and chemical damage.
• Regular inspections: Check for and repair any cracks or damages as soon as possible to prevent water from entering and causing further deterioration.

How To Properly Apply Ice Melt On New Concrete

Although we advise not to use any ice melt on new concrete, some might still be interested in testing it out. In that case, here’s a quick rundown on how to use ice melt on new concrete.

• Test first: Before applying any product broadly, test it on a small, inconspicuous area.
• Follow the instructions: Use the manufacturer-recommended amount and method of application to avoid damage.
• Even distribution: Avoid piling on ice melt; spread it evenly to avoid concentrated areas of chemical exposure.

Precautions And Considerations For Using Ice Melt On New Concrete

• Timing: Avoid using ice melt on concrete that is less than 12 months old unless absolutely necessary.
• Alternative methods: Consider using physical methods like sand for traction or electric heating elements for ice prevention as safer alternatives to chemical deicers.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right products (more on this below), you can effectively manage ice and snow on new concrete surfaces without causing damage. Always prioritize products that are marked safe for concrete and environment, ensuring that your winter management practices keep safety and sustainability at the forefront.

100% Environment Friendly Ice Melt

Safe Paw

Safe Paw is a specifically designed ice melt and traction product, an all-natural ice melt product safe for concrete. It comprises zero salt and chloride but a modified crystalline amide center, with traction agents interspersed with a glycol mixture. 

Once it touches the icy surface, it instantly begins acting as the liquid component starts melting ice immediately while breaking the surface tension. In addition, the crystal-core penetrates and destabilizes ice, thus speeding the melting process.

Caution—While it does not harm the environment, you must avoid using it on new concrete or concrete less than a year old. It will not affect its stability; however, it might interfere in settling.

What is an alternative to ice melt? 

You must follow one rule with new concrete—never apply ice melt of any kind on new concrete less than 12 months old. You must test it first on stamped and unsealed concrete before proceeding with an ice melt. However, if you have just got a concrete driveway made, you can use Walk On Ice as an alternative. 

It is a concrete-safe traction product with seven naturally occurring minerals and volcanic rocks that help form a grip on icy concrete surfaces. It does not corrode concrete, nor does it harm the environment in any way. On the contrary, it is a boon during harsh winters when you have to steer clear of ice melt altogether.

Conclusion 

While we recommend not using ice melt for new concrete, you can keep traction products such as Walk On Ice handy. It is easy to carry and can fit anywhere. Since it is not an ice melt, it will not interfere with the composition of new concrete and will only build traction to walk. Instead of using Safe Paw, you can use Walk On Ice to help you battle winter woes instantly.

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.

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