After The Spring Thaw: Nature Trails Becoming Mud And Snowy – How To Stay Safe
Slippery conditions are created by snow and ice on walkways. Serious injuries are possible if you or a family member slips on the ice. You realize clearing your driveway is a hassle when there is a pile of snow. Give that impulse a second thought if you’re thinking about letting the snow pile up this year. If you don’t clear your driveway of snow, you risk endangering your vehicle, your home, and your family. Following a storm, swift snow removal avoids the freeze/thaw cycle from forming impenetrable ice on your walkways and driveway.
EAGAN, Minn. – Mother Nature can’t keep up with our enthusiasm to get outside and go for a walk.
With the spring thaw officially underway, your outdoor walk may be messier than expected, but you can do your part to protect our trails during this seasonal transition.
“I think there was more snow than we thought. We expected it to be muddy the whole time, so we dressed for it, but there was a lot of snow. It was tough,” said Amy Bifulk, who spent her Easter Sunday hiking with her family around Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan.
It was a busy Sunday at the park, with so many people ready to get outside after a long winter.
Source: CBS NEWS
In the winter months, business owners are so much concerned about possible slip and fall accidents around their premises. They are also concerned about the delicate machinery, dangers of short circuits, etc. The best way to tackle this winter anxiety is to find the best ice melt that is absolutely property safe.
Driveway Hazards
Your driveway might get damaged if you do not shovel. The meltwater from melting snow seeps into the cracks and crevices of your driveway. If the water freezes again in the cold, the ice grows and widens the fissures, inflicting damage. It’s tough to navigate through the snow in your driveway, and you could trip and fall on anything buried beneath it. The melting and refreezing snow might turn your driveway into ice, posing a slipping hazard.
Vehicle Hazards
Slippery conditions are created by snow and ice on walkways. Serious injuries are possible if you or a family member slips on the ice. You realize clearing your driveway is a hassle when there is a pile of snow. Give that impulse a second thought if you’re thinking about letting the snow pile up this year. If you don’t clear your driveway of snow, you risk endangering your vehicle, your home, and your family. Following a storm, swift snow removal avoids the freeze/thaw cycle from forming impenetrable ice on your walkways and driveway.
Avoid using ice melts that contain salt or chloride
- Damages concrete
Salt or chloride-based ice melt can wreak significant damage to the otherwise highly durable and super strong concrete driveways. When the salt comes in contact with water, it percolates into the crevices of the concrete, forming a solution called brine. As the temperature increases and decreases, the freeze-thaw cycles of the absorbed water damages the surface resulting in cracks.
- Damages asphalt
Asphalt is a popular material used in making driveways. It is considered to be better than concrete. Black color asphalt is especially popular as it absorbs heat and helps in melting the snow relatively quickly. However, the fact is that both asphalt and concrete get equally affected by the chemicals present in rock salt and ice melt.
- Damages brick driveways
Like concrete and asphalt, salt damages brick driveways as well. 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. So, salt-induced decay can decompose bricks and mortar.
Using the right ice melting solution
It is an environmentally friendly product that does not include salt. It can replace all of the salt ice melts. The environment will not be endangered by a product that does not contain salt. Here is how it works
- Spread it anywhere on the ice and snow you need to remove.
- A deicing liquid is ejected from the crystal, speeding up the melting process.
- It breaks down the molecular structure of ice and snow, preventing water molecules from rebuilding into ice crystals.
- The granules drill through ice in 10 minutes, weakening it.
It has a unique combination of a crystalline amide core laced with magical glycols that are non-corrosive and non-toxic, and it uses a patented dual-effect compound. This combination makes it quick to act and accelerates the melting process. Not only is it safer, but it is also more effective than other rock salt options. It is a pellet-based alternative to rock salt and can cover more area. It does not damage concrete, brick, or wood structures, or roadways. Unlike other rock salt alternatives, it is of the highest quality and is environmentally friendly.
How To Buy A Safe Ice Melt?
1. Check the composition of the ice melt jar.
Do check the composition of your ice melt before purchasing it. By going through it, you will find out whether the ice melt contains any disastrous salts or not. The Safe Paw jar mentions
- Non-toxic safe if ingested
- Safe on paws, eyes, and skin
- Melts in sub-zero temps
- Safe on all decking materials
2. Research Online For The Product
According to one review, salt-free natural ice melt is better for the environment and animals. There is only one planet for us and we all should keep it healthy. This ice melt is also safe to use on asphalt driveways and pathways.
Unlike most ice melters that claim to be safe for pets and concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces, another customer claims that this all-natural product is safe for all of these. There is no salt in it, not even rock salt.
Despite the statements on the label of most rock salts, especially those advertised as pet safe, it is not safe for dogs or concrete. One of the proud pet owners admits that this ice melt helps her save time and trouble while keeping her kids and pets safe. She can let her kids and dogs play in the snow without worrying about any harmful chemicals.
3. Check Safety Regulations
It contains no salt and is suitable for children and pets. It has garnered several major awards for being safe for people, pets, and the environment.
1. Governmental awards in the United States
2. Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Green Product Seal of Approval for family-friendly and effective products
3. Inclusion in the Whole Green Catalog – 1000 Best Things for the Earth
Pediatricians, veterinarians, wildlife experts, groomers, animal shelters, and humane organizations all endorse it.
4. Choose Wisely
First and foremost, not every product on the market is safe for you and your concrete since some manufacturers offer snowmelt that contains chemicals or salts that are potentially harmful to kids, pets, plants, and concrete.
Such compounds are hazardous for your and your family’s well-being. They can damage the surface and possibly produce fissures, especially if the concrete is brand new. Selecting a product that is safe for all and suitable for concrete is critical. It is also worth noting that these products hurt not just the surface but also the environment.
Get an ice melt that is salt-free and safe. It will not only keep you safe but also keep nearby plants alive without polluting the water bodies. Best ice melt means safe families with fewer injuries and better ecological balance.