Is Ice Melt Safe For Concrete?
Every winter tons of ice-melting materials are applied to driveways, walkways, and steps quite often without any regard for correct application procedures or even any knowledge of what they may contain. Unfortunately, careless usage of ice melting products can result in damage to property and the environment.
Having some knowledge about your options when it comes to ice melt can go far toward making winter a safer season for you and your family or clients and customers.
Choosing a safe ice melt that will not damage your concrete is vital and the correct application can extend the longevity of these surfaces.
- Why Was Claire Looking For Concrete Safe Ice Melt?
- Claire’s Search For Safe Ice Melt
- Pet And Concrete Safe Ice Melt
- Why Does Claire Need To Remove Ice From Concrete?
- Why Concrete Needs Care?
- What Did Claire Find About Common Ice Melt Chemicals?
- Why Is Safe Paw Best For Concrete Surfaces?
- How Claire Bought A Concrete Safe Ice Melt?
- Conclusion
- Other Ice Melt Products
Why Was Claire Looking For Concrete Safe Ice Melt?
Last winter, Claire shifted to her own home from a rented apartment. The family was excited about it, especially her two kids. Finally, they have a yard to play with their pet dog and their garage and driveway. The house was everything they were looking for, spacious, well maintained, with a yard and concrete driveway.
As the snow time arrived, she started looking for ways to remove snow. She went through various methods for cleaning snow from her concrete while keeping it safe.
Claire’s Search For Safe Ice Melt
After going through all options, Claire decided that using the ice melt is the best option. She wanted to get a safe ice melt for concrete, for her kids and pet. Claire went to the nearby store and told her requirements to the shop owner. On shop-owners recommendations, she got herself the best ice melt for concrete.
After using this ice melt a couple of times, she realized that it is not removing snow effectively and instantly from her driveway. Moreover, it was leaving behind a messy white residue. Her pet also suffered from paw burns after playing in the snow treated with ice melt. She felt miserable and a bit lost.
Then she met her next-door neighbor, who was enjoying her winters without any snow worries. She shared her problem with her, and said ‘Even though I use the recommended ice melt on my driveway, still I am facing so many problems.’ The neighbor told her to do her research and to find out the best ice melt solution as per her requirement. There are various harmful chemicals in ice melt that can injure pets and even kids. These chemicals can easily corrode your concrete and asphalt.
Claire realized her mistake and vowed to research her ice melt before buying it. As the spring arrived, she found out that her ice melt has not caused her winter problems throughout the snow period but has also damaged her concrete. Her flawless concrete was now having pockmarks and scaling. She was heartbroken, but at the same time, she was eager to find out more about concrete-friendly ice melt and how to protect your concrete from ice and chemicals.
Pet And Concrete Safe Ice Melt
Safe Paw
The Original and the #1 Child and Pet Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands.
Why Does Claire Need To Remove Ice From Concrete?
You may have seen the pock-marked driveways in front of buildings in cold regions, as well as the thick flaking of bricks or stonework. It is known as freeze-thaw damage because it occurs more frequently during the daily freeze-thaw cycles in which the winter sun rises in the morning, warms, and melts a layer of snow on the outside.
The water soaks into the brick or stonework, the night-time temperature drops below freezing, and small ice crystals form. The sun rises again, warming the surface, melting the ice in the fissure, allowing more snowmelt to flow into the crack. When the sun sets, the water freezes and expands, widening the crack. It can continue until bricks come apart and structures crumble.
The accumulated ice and snow not only damage the concrete but are a huge risk for all family members and the neighborhood. This slippery surface can cause slip and fall accidents.
Why Concrete Needs Care?
Because concrete is a porous material it absorbs moisture, particularly when new or of poor quality. After it has absorbed moisture and temperatures drop below freezing, the water inside freezes and expands. This results in chipping and flaking damage to the concrete. Often this is blamed on ice melting products but is actually a natural occurrence in the freeze and thaw process. If used correctly and the manufacturer’s instructions are followed carefully, applying an ice melt to your concrete will be very effective and not in the least harmful.
What Did Claire Find About Common Ice Melt Chemicals?
Claire’s Choice For The Best Driveway Ice Melt
After extensive research, Claire understood one thing- maintaining your driveway during the icy winter months requires the right strategy and the best products. When it comes to ice melt for driveways, it’s essential to choose a product that not only effectively melts the ice but also protects the integrity of your concrete. Choosing a concrete safe ice melt ensures that the freeze-thaw cycle doesn’t damage the structure of your driveway. The key is to apply ice melt in moderation and only when necessary. Before the snow even falls, pre-treating your driveway with a thin layer of ice melt can prevent ice from bonding to the concrete. Following these steps can make it easier to manage once the snow starts.
Ice Melt for Driveways: Maintaining Driveways
Maintaining your driveway is critical before the snow strikes the surface and during the snowfall. Claire was already aware about the importance of regular maintenance of her driveway during the winter months. What she didn’t know was there are a few steps that can help her keep the driveway in a new-like position even during harsh winters. For example, she was not aware that applying a layer of ice melt before the snowfall can help her melt the hard ice later. After applying ice melt for driveways, it’s important to clear away the slush and melted ice before it refreezes. This not only keeps the driveway safe for use but also extends its lifespan by preventing water from seeping into cracks and expanding as it freezes. The above research was an eye-opener for Claire. She also understood the importance of proper drainage. Standing water can be damaging if it freezes and expands, which means keeping your drainage areas clear from ice and debris is as important as the ice melting process itself.
Ice Melt for Sidewalks: Best Choices for Sidewalks
Choosing the right ice melt for sidewalks involves balancing efficacy and safety. Sidewalks, often being narrower and more public, require frequent maintenance to ensure pedestrian safety. A concrete safe ice melt is imperative to prevent damage from harsh chemicals that can cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. Look for products that specify they are safe for use on concrete and are environmentally friendly. Applying these products in the right quantity is crucial; too much can be as harmful as too little. Regular monitoring and application adjustments based on the current weather conditions will keep sidewalks clear and prevent ice build-up.
Safe Paw-Concrete Friendly Ice Melt
Fortunately, there is a very safe solution for melting ice on concrete surfaces with the added bonus of being environmental, family, and pet friendly. Safe Paw is a proven product endorsed as a PTPA Green Product that you can feel totally confident in using.
Why Is Safe Paw Best For Concrete Surfaces?
Being one hundred percent salt-free, it is a unique compound with a time-released action. It has a core of crystalline amide that is infused with glycols providing a non-corrosive structure. In contrast to the rock salt and other salt-based ice melting products which contain potassium chloride or sodium chloride and can only work to 24 degrees; it is effective at much lower temperatures and works to 2 degrees below zero. Salt-based products are slower to work and often the crystals will sit on the surface of snow and ice for long periods before they penetrate, presenting a hazard for pets and children if they should digest the ingredients.
Additionally, the residue of salt that is left behind can damage concrete, pavers, lawns, wood, and decking. It can also be tracked inside to damage floor coverings and wooden floors. Safe Paw is one of a kind as it has the major benefit of containing no salt, unlike the other ice melt products in the market. Finally, if you need an instant traction product to walk on your sidewalks or to simply get your car out of the driveway then we recommend Traction Magic.
How Claire Bought A Concrete Safe Ice Melt?
After her research, Claire knew what kind of ice melt is safe for concrete. But to crosscheck her facts, she visited the Safe Paw site and read reviews and testimonials. She also talked with the company representative and, here is what she found about the product.
Product Description
Environmentally friendly — won’t affect streams or fragile wetlands. Ice melt that hasn’t been used for indefinite shelf life. Safe Paw is a proprietary compound with two effects. When the liquid component breaks the surface tension of the ice, it begins to melt rapidly. The crystal core can then swiftly penetrate and destabilize the ice, speeding up the melting process. All of this happens as a special traction agent from Safe Paw keeps you from slipping. Safe Paw draws heat to increase its effectiveness. The sun effect is used in an endothermic reaction to melt snow.
- It is non-corrosive and non-conductive, making it safe to use on hardened concrete.
- Even if swallowed, pets and children are safe.
- Use 12 times as much as you would with salt in this concentrated formula! On the surface, it lasts 72 hours!
- Environmentally friendly formula with no salt, chlorine, or acetate.
Top Product
Being a top-selling product it is readily available in all cold-weather states in hardware stores, grocery chains, pet supply stores, and veterinarian offices. This winter, you now have all the important information about ice melt products and the knowledge needed to choose a reliable and thoroughly safe solution. As you are using this easy to apply product and removing all your winter ice concerns you can feel fully confident that you are not harming your concrete, family, pets, or the environment.
Conclusion
After doing her research and talking with experts, Claire finally found out which ice melt is safe for concrete. This year she is all set to welcome winters as she has planned to keep her kids, dog, and concrete safe. We should avoid using any toxic chemical responsible for disturbing our delicate ecological balance.
FAQs
Stay safe and confident this winter with Traction Magic!
This innovative, 100% natural product offers instant traction on any icy surface. Whether you’re navigating your sidewalk, steps, or driveway, Traction Magic helps you stay upright and prevents falls.
Try Our Other Winter Safety Products
Walk On Ice
Prevent slips at home, work or on the go, The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow.
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.
Walk On Ice
Prevent slips at home, work or on the go, The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow.
Safe Thaw
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.
