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Ice Melt Safe For New Concrete

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best ice melt for new concrete

Many ice melting products and salt products can and will damage concrete. You want to have your new concrete last for years, then choose concrete-safe ice melt products that will not damage your new concrete. You do not want to wait until the dreaded snowstorm has happened before you decide to go out and get your ice melt that is safe for concrete.

If you have a walkway, driveway, or steps of concrete, you need to be very careful of the ice melt that you choose.

Concrete is everywhere as you stroll along the street. It is used to build massive structures, bridges, roads, walkways, floors, and nearly anything else we can see. In a nutshell, there is concrete everywhere there is a structure. Concrete is crucial in modern buildings since it provides strength and stability to the constructions. Second, concrete is a low-cost material that can be molded into a variety of shapes.

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

    

Why Is Ice Melt Harmful To New Concrete?

While concrete can begin to set in as little as a few hours, the chemical interaction between cement and water can take up to 28 days to complete. However, depending on the weather conditions, your concrete can be considered new for up to a year. Fresh concrete is more sensitive to harm, by choosing the correct ice melt for new concrete you can ensure smooth and pothole-free concrete for coming years.

Ice melt compounds also lower the water’s refreezing temperature, preventing ice from developing on your concrete, a phenomenon known as the freeze-thaw cycle. When ice melts and thaws, it seems like a sponge into the pores of your concrete. Scaling, spalling, popouts and even fissures can occur as this liquid refreezes and expands within the concrete. Repairs will be required in the spring, which will cost you both time and money. 

Rock salt, the most frequent ice melt, only decreases the refreezing temperature by roughly 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It means that when the temperature swings above and below 20 degrees, ice melt from rock salt will thaw and freeze again.

6 Tips To Prepare Your New Concrete For Winter

It’s a good idea to inspect your driveway for cracks, damaged tiles, seepages, and other issues before the snow arrives.

During your inspection, did you find any cracks? If you answered yes, it’s time to seal them. When it snows, any cracks in your driveway will become worse. Water runoff escapes through the crevices when the snow and ice begin to thaw. If the fissures freeze again before drying, the frozen water will widen the cracks and make them much bigger. So, before the snow can do any more harm, it’s a good idea to fix the fractures in your driveway.

Although many people favor salt and chloride-based remedies, they aren’t always the safest option. Salt will not stop the thawing and freezing process. It can also become a severe environmental pollutant when overused or mismatched. 

Instead, use ice melt that is suitable for concrete and is devoid of salt, chlorine, and acetate, as well as being safe for the environment, pets, and children. 

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

When your driveway is covered in snow, make sure to clean it and clear the snow as quickly as possible. Before the snow starts to fall, powerwash your driveway. Clean your driveway of all leaves, stones, and pebbles, as they can cause harm once a thick coating of snow covers the surface.

Snowblowers and shovels should be your first-choice tools. Make sure you have your snowblower turned on before the first snowfall. Chipped shovels can cause harm to your driveway. So, stay away from the cracked shovel and handle it with caution. 

Winter has arrived, and if your driveway lacks a reliable drainage system, you could be in for a major headache. So before you get into serious trouble, make sure your driveway has proper drainage. 

Natural Ice Melt – Best Ice Melt For New Concrete 

Finding an ice melt for new concrete is crucial to ensure a long scar-free life of your concrete. The ice melt that decreases the refreezing temperature as much as possible is the best way to preserve your new concrete. As a result, safe ice melt for new concrete will not refreeze as frequently, halting the freeze-thaw cycle.

Safe Paw - Roof Safe Ice Melt

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.

Ice Melt Safe For New Concrete

If you want to be sure that you’re using an environmentally friendly and safe ice melter, look for a product that’s a top-selling brand and has received the PTPA Green Product Seal of Approval. Safe Paw removes snow and ice, keeping your concrete and surroundings safe while giving you traction.

Such natural ice melt can be used on walkways, driveways, and paths from its easy and convenient 8lb shaker bottle, making it perfect for children and pets. Because it is non-toxic, no gloves, goggles, or masks are required. It will not affect garden plants, bushes, decks, outdoor furniture, or patios.

This one-of-a-kind product gets to work right away. By breaking the surface tension, the liquid component of the combination begins to melt the ice immediately. The compound’s crystal core can then enter the ice and begin to destabilize it, speeding up the melting process. 

It uses solar energy by attracting heat during the day and intensifying the Endothermic reaction, making its melting capabilities even more powerful. After the ice has melted, an invisible screen is left to prevent ice from clinging to surfaces for about three days, making shoveling and cleanup easier. It also contains a traction ingredient that aids in the prevention of slips.

The green color of the natural ice melt pellets helps consumers distinguish it from rock salt and salt-based ice melt. The following are some of the advantages of chloride-free ice melt

  • Pets and children are guaranteed to be safe. 
  • Safe for the environment 
  • It won’t harm any decking. 
  • Pavements, asphalt, and concrete are all safe 
  • Plants and shrubs are unaffected. 
  • Patented traction agent 
  • It won’t damage or stain your floors.

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

Understanding Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) and its Benefits

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) is the most misunderstood ice melt ingredient in the market. You may have heard that it’s an environmentally friendly compound, it’s a pro at managing ice on new concrete surfaces. Well, CMA is definitely better than majority of the other ice melt products in the market since it doesn’t contain chlorides that can corrode metal or damage concrete. However, it’s not as good as it is portrayed. For example, while calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is touted as a safer alternative, it is not completely free from risks, particularly when pets are involved. These products can still cause discomfort or harm upon contact or ingestion.Also, CMA is less effective at low temperatures.

The Role of Concrete Curing in Winter Conditions

Concrete curing becomes a very hot topic during winter. The reason is evident. During winter concrete requires special attention due to the cold temperatures that can severely affect the hydration process of cement. If you have laid a new concrete driveway recently, proper concrete curing is absolutely crucial for you.  It ensures the material has gained enough strength and durability. One of the best ways to enhance the process of concrete curing is by using thermal blankets or heated enclosures. These can help maintain the temperature above freezing, ensuring the concrete sets correctly without being subjected to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Impact of Freeze-Thaw Cycles on Concrete

Do you know who’s the real villain in your concrete driveway’s life? Yes, you guessed it right. It’s the freeze-thaw cycle, especially in the winter season. Water that has penetrated concrete surfaces expands upon freezing, leading to scaling and spalling. This cycle can cause significant structural damage over time, making it essential to choose ice melt safe for concrete that minimizes water penetration and subsequent freezing.

Preventing Scaling, Spalling, and Damage with the Right Ice Melt

Choosing the correct ice melt is crucial to prevent scaling, spalling, and other damage to new concrete. Traditional chloride-based melts, such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, often exacerbate the freeze-thaw cycle that can severely compromise the structural integrity of concrete. These materials seep into the concrete, and as temperatures fluctuate, they contribute to the expansion and contraction that leads to surface breakdown and internal damage.

Enhancing Safety with Traction Mats

Traction mats are a savvy swap for chemical deicers, offering instant grip on icy paths without the harsh effects on fresh concrete. But here’s the rub: if you opt for heated mats, be ready for a jolt in your electric bill. These mats need constant power to stay warm, which can make your energy costs climb during the cold months. So, while they’re great for quick safety, their appetite for energy might cool your enthusiasm if you’re watching your wallet. However, it can be one of the good ice melt precautions for new concrete.

Keeping Your New Concrete Safe All Winter Long

Keeping your new concrete in pristine condition through the winter months needs a strategy that doesn’t involve using typical deicers. While magnesium chloride or calcium chloride might promise quick thawing, they can destroy your fresh concrete’s vitality. These common melts can lead your new driveway or sidewalk into a world of scaling and spalling, where small fissures blossom into outright cracks, thanks to aggressive freeze-thaw cycles.

Instead, why not turn to ice melt safe for concrete that respects both your concrete’s health and the broader environment? Look for ice melts that declare themselves free of harsh salts and harmful chemicals—formulations gentle enough not to assault the surfaces they’re meant to protect.

Are All Ice Melt Safe For New Concrete?

Not all ice melt brands are safe for concrete. Most of the ice melt has chloride as its main constituent. Rock salt or sodium chloride is the most common ingredient of ice melt. When sodium chloride is absorbed into the concrete, it attacks the metal rebar within the concrete. It is equally harmful to the surrounding plants, soil, animals, and groundwater. 

Calcium chloride will discolor concrete because it leaves an oily film on the surface. Magnesium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate are other harmful ice melt compounds. They attack and disintegrate concrete. 

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.

Let’s find out about other alternatives and their pros and cons

Ice Melt Available In Market

Rock salt does melt ice, although it does so at a slower rate than ice melt. Rock salt will not attract moisture and will keep surfaces dry. Rock salt is an economical alternative to ice melt that works up to 15°F. Rock salt is a cost-effective choice for those on a tight budget, but is it worth it in the long run? 

Because rock salt melts slower than ice melts, you may find yourself using more of it. You may find yourself adding more and more to melt ice. 

The fact that rock salt is corrosive and capable of corroding certain metals such as rebar found in concrete is one of the most important disadvantages to consider. Rock salt can be dangerous to your dogs, as well as your neighbors’ pets and other animals.

Calcium Chloride absorbs moisture being a hygroscopic chemical. Exothermic heat of up to 60 degrees Celsius is generated during the dissolving process. This heat melts the ice and snow quickly, converting them to water. 

It is significantly more expensive and can corrode your new concrete while leaving behind a mess.

Magnesium chloride ice melt can be used safely in thickly vegetated areas. The minimum operating temperature for magnesium chloride is -13 degrees. As a result, it’s nearly as effective as calcium chloride. 

It also acts quickly because it is hygroscopic. Despite this, it is more expensive than calcium chloride. It can corrode your new concrete hence should be bypassed.

It has acetic acid and dolomitic lime. Animal and plant life are unaffected by this chemical. It is used to coat other ice melt products. 

CMA does not produce brine. Instead, it works by preventing snow and ice particles on concrete surfaces from attaching. It can prevent re-freezing better than it can melt snow and ice. 

Calcium magnesium acetate tends to leave a slush behind, hence making your new concrete more prone to damage from the freeze-thaw cycle.

It is non-corrosive, safe for animals and plants, and effective on concrete surfaces with wire mesh or rebar. 

Despite this, potassium chloride melts ice at a far slower rate than other ice dissolves. Therefore, it will neither prevent slip and fall nor will clear the snow from concrete. It may not be efficient when clearing a large amount of snow or ice. 

Exploring Different Types of Ice Melt including Magnesium Chloride and Sodium Acetate (NAAC)

When choosing an ice melt for new concrete, it’s important to consider the chemical composition of products. While magnesium chloride and sodium acetate (NAAC) are common in ice melt products, they bring potential risks. Magnesium chloride can be corrosive to metal fixtures and harmful if ingested by pets or wildlife, posing environmental hazards. Sodium acetate, while less corrosive, often does not perform effectively in extremely cold temperatures, making it unreliable when most needed.

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

Homemade Ice Melt 

It’s a pet-friendly ice melt created at home. You also don’t have to worry about beet juice harming your plants or corroding your sidewalk or driveway. However, it will give your walks and roads a purple tint. To avoid stains, you must wipe and wash the surface after each application. 

Sprinkle baking soda liberally on the iced-over path and wait for it to melt. It has salt in it, which prevents ice from solidifying. However, you must avoid using the soda-strewn path straight away. This DIY ice melt will take a long time to work and will do very little.

Fertilizer can be applied on the surface of the ice or snow. The fertilizer’s warming properties will begin to melt the ice, but not as quickly as ice melt products. Ammonium sulfate, potassium chloride are the primary constituents of compost. When ice melts and fertilizer run-off reaches municipal sewers and streams, it has a deleterious impact on the ecosystems surrounding it. Moreover, ammonium sulfate is highly corrosive for new concrete.

If utilized excessively, sand can hurt the environment. Sand does not melt ice and needs reapplication. You need to ensure sand removal after each application; otherwise, it will clog the drains. Kitty litter does not melt ice and should not be used to de-ice your driveway. It contains chemicals and gets sticky after absorbing moisture, hence use it sparingly. Both kitty litter and sand can help you in giving traction but are not meant to melt ice.

Conclusion

It is common knowledge that the majority of ice melt and salt products are hazardous to our concrete. The truth is that salt does not prevent thawing and freezing. Because salt is slightly acidic, it breaks down the chemical linkages that make concrete strong. 

Another factor that aggravates the matter is that most driveway concrete is reinforced with steel. It corrodes easily when exposed to salt. Moisture attracts it, which can lead to corrosion. Corrosion affects the rebar of the concrete beneath the surface, causing cracks and flakes to appear.

Natural ice melt like Safe Paw breaks down the molecular structure of ice and snow, preventing water molecules from rebuilding into ice crystals. They draw heat to increase its effectiveness. Thus, keeping your concrete safe while melting snow and ice without using any toxic chemicals.

It is non-corrosive and non-conductive, making it concrete safe ice melt. Even if swallowed, pets and children are safe. Just a little of this green wonder is enough to keep you safe. 

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

FAQs

A. Use the ice melt sparingly and evenly distribute it. Try to remove the snow before it compacts to ice, and apply ice melt as needed.

A. It’s recommended to test a small area first, as some ice melt products can discolor or damage decorative concrete.

A. The frequency of application depends on weather conditions. Apply as needed, but try to limit application to prevent potential damage to the concrete.

A. Alternatives to ice melt include sand for traction, or heated mats designed for melting ice and snow.

A. Ice melt is used on concrete to prevent ice build-up that could lead to slippery conditions and potential accidents.

Instant Traction In Icy Driveways

Other Ice Melt 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.

Traction Magic Road Salt Alternative

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.

Safe Thaw - Industrial Ice Melt

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.

Walk On Ice - Traction On Ice

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.

Safe Thaw - Industrial Ice Melt
Safe Paw - Ice Melt In Bulk


Steven J Greenwald -President of Gaia Enterprises, Inc.

Author: Steven J Greenwald

Nature-friendly innovations are Steve’s passion and his products are deeply rooted in this philosophy. “Safe for people, pets, property, and the planet” isn’t just a tagline; it’s the very essence of Steve’s vision.

Driven by a profound respect for our environment, for the last 50 years, Steve is leading the charge towards a future where sustainability isn’t an option but a standard.

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