Best Ice Melt For Decks This Winter In Boston
We’ve already had snow-sleet and freezing rain to ring in the new year. The average total snowfall in January in Boston is about 13 inches (33 cm); however, the record snowfall was 43.3 inches (110 cm) in 2005. Almanac predicts that temperatures will be above normal, on average, with the coldest periods in mid-December and early and mid-January. The snowiest periods will occur in mid-December and early March. But here’s the thing– freshly fallen snow might look like a white velvet carpet but can take a toll on your property. If you’ve recently added a new and beautiful deck to enjoy family gatherings and give an aesthetic look to your house, then you might be looking for some good ice melter for wood decks. Although there are several decking materials in the market, a wooden deck is the most common material used for decks. But it is imperative to take care of it in the winter season, especially if it is of natural wood.
Safe Ice Melt For Wood Decks
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands.
In this article, we will discuss the best ice melter you can use on decks this winter.
Let’s evaluate the pros and cons of all the alternatives and then decide the best option.
1- Rock Salt
Rock salt is essentially sodium chloride. When you spread salt on the wooden deck, the chloride component of the salt absorbs moisture from the wood. When the wood is left dry, it fails to perform its natural contraction and expansion process, thus corrodes soon. Rock salt is not only unsafe to use on wood but also concrete, asphalt, as well as bricks.
Pros of Salt-
- Easily available and easy to use.
- Effective for melting ice.
Cons of Salt-
- Dries out the wood impacting its longevity and shine.
- It can also be harmful to the environment, children, drinking water, and aquatic ecosystems.
2- Chemical-based Ice Melt
Most of the ice melt in the market have chloride in their composition. The toxins in these ice melt can affect the shine and longevity of your wooden deck.
Pros of chemical-based ice melt-
- Easily available and easy to use.
- Effective for melting ice.
Cons of chemical-based ice melt-
- Dries out the wood impacting its longevity and shine.
- It can also be harmful to the environment, children, drinking water, and aquatic ecosystems.
3- Fertilizer
You can pour the fertilizer atop the snow. And the heating effects of the fertilizer will gradually start to melt the snow. However, the process is a little slower than salt and chemical ice melt. Compost can consist of potassium chloride, ammonium sulfate, and urea.
Pros of Fertilizer-
- Easily available and easy to use.
Cons of Fertilizer-
- Harmful for the environment if the fertilizer enters the municipal sewers and waterways.
Weather Forecast
[wpc-weather id=”2993″ /]So, What Should You Use?
There is an ice melt that is salt-free and chemical-free compounds and is composed of natural ingredients. These ice melt are environmentally friendly too. One such product is Safe Paw. It is a unique and patented dual-effect compound made up of a crystalline amide core infused with special glycols. Since there are no harmful chemicals in its composition, this is the best ice melter for wood decks. Nothing is more delicate than your kids and pet. And if it is safe to use around them, then it’s definitely safe for your deck.
Other Products
Traction Magic
Stay safe on slippery surfaces with a product that’s 100% natural and safe for pets, people, and your property. Use Traction Magic on sidewalks, steps, or as instant traction for your car. Made in the USA.
Safe Thaw
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.