Is Ice Melt A Safe Option To Use On Your Wooden Deck?

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Those having wooden decks or steps are already aware of how treacherous they are when covered in ice. A frozen hardwood deck is, in most situations, even riskier than an icy driveway or path. With winter now in full swing, you’ll want to stock up on ice melt materials. When compared to more salt-free ice melt solutions on the market, traditional ice melt falls short.

Why Do You Need Ice Melt For Your Wooden Deck?

Wood is far more naturally porous as a decking material than equivalent alternatives such as plastic composites or concrete. As water seeps into the wood during the day, it expands overnight as temperatures drop, causing it to fracture, splinter, and buckle. 

The damage is increased with each freeze-thaw cycle as the wood becomes progressively more porous, rendering any sealant you’ve applied useless. As a result, keeping your deck clear of ice throughout the winter is critical to protecting your investment. 

Even a single winter storm can dump enough snow to put elevated decks’ load-bearing capacity in jeopardy. Under the weight of enough snow and ice, a badly maintained deck left unattended over the winter might easily collapse. Another reason to keep your wood deck free of ice and snow is for accessibility.

How ice melt works

During winter storms or heavy snowfall, ice melt products keep decks from becoming slippery. Ice melts operate by releasing heat into the ice and snow to melt it and prevent it from creating ice crystals! Using any ice melt without first learning about it could end up doing more harm than good to your composite deck. You need to be aware of rock salt, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride dangers also.

Salt & Chloride Free Ice Melt

In this article, we will talk about ice melt for wood decks and safe ice melt options that won’t leave you slipping on style or safety. As soon as the winter season starts most homeowners are on the hunt for the best ice melt for wood. It’s a tough balancing act between effectiveness and gentleness. Many products will promise safety, but watch out for those hidden harsh chemicals. Safe Paw again comes out on top, with a formulation that targets ice without corroding your beautiful deck. Remember, protecting your wood decks from ice melt starts with choosing the right product.

Speaking of which, your choice of ice melt can impact more than just your walkways. Opting for an eco-friendly ice melt means you’re playing it safe for the planet too. These products ensure you’re not just clearing ice but also contributing to a healthier ecosystem. Doesn’t it feel great to be part of the green solution during the chilly seasons?

Winter is no joke when it comes to your outdoor spaces. Winter safety for wood decks involves more than just shoveling snow—you need the right ice melt that won’t leave lasting damage. And while you’re at it, why not ensure it’s safe ice melt for wood decks as well as your pets? 

Did you know not all ice melts are created equal when it comes to your furry friends? Choosing a pet safe ice melt is crucial to keep those paws safe. While most salts can irritate your pet’s paws or worse, products like Safe Paw are formulated to ensure your pets can tread safely without any harmful chemicals. Isn’t it better when you know your ice melt won’t harm any part of your family?

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.

Speaking of Safe Paw, this eco-friendly ice melt is a game-changer for those with wood decks and environmental concerns. With a blend of plant friendly ice melt ingredients, Safe Paw ensures your decking remains pristine and your plants perky. It’s salt-free—meaning no more damage to your wood surfaces or surrounding greenery. Why settle for less when you can protect your outdoor spaces and keep them green and clean?

Now, isn’t it better when your winter solutions are tailored for safety, effectiveness, and environmental kindness? With these tips, your winter season will be less about worry and more about enjoying the snowy beauty safely and sustainably.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Is It Safe To Use Ice Melt For Wood Decks?

Before you sprinkle any ice-melt product onto your deck, it’s essential to consider its composition and potential impact. Traditional ice-melt products often contain salt or chlorine-based ingredients that can deteriorate wood over time, leading to potential damage and expensive repairs.

How Ice Melt Works?

During winter storms or heavy snowfall, ice melt products keep decks from becoming slippery. Ice melts operate by releasing heat into the ice and snow to melt it and prevent it from creating ice crystals! Using any ice melt without first learning about it could end up doing more harm than good to your composite deck. You need to be aware of rock salt, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride dangers also.

Ice melt works by creating a brine that generates heat to melt ice and break its bond with surfaces like your deck. However, the chemicals used in these products can harm both your wooden deck and the surrounding environment.

Should You Use Ice Melt For Wood Decks?

While using ice melt on your wooden deck can seem like a quick solution to avoid slips and falls, it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal. Some ice melts can cause serious damage to wood. Hence, it’s crucial to select an ice melt product that is specifically formulated to be safe for wood decks.

What Kind Of Ice Melt Is Safe For Wood Decks?

This brings us to the essential question—what kind of ice melt is safe for wood decks? One product that stands out is ‘Safe Paw’, a non-toxic, biodegradable ice melt. Unlike salt or chlorine-based products, ‘Safe Paw’ is designed to be gentle on your deck and safe for the environment and pets.

How To Make An Ice Melt For Your Wooden Deck?

Creating an effective ice melt strategy for your wooden deck involves more than just the product itself. It’s about timely application, even distribution, and ensuring you’re not using more than needed. The use of a ‘Safe Paw’-type solution can provide efficient melting without the risk of deck damage.

Getting The Safe Ice Melt For Your Wooden Deck

Rock salt is the most common option for deicing wood decks, but it has several drawbacks. For starters, metal bolts and supports are virtually usually used to secure hardwood decks. As a result, using a salt-based deicer will cause rust and corrosion of such parts. 

Rock salt dries out wood, interfering with its expansion and corroding the deck. Salt is never advised as a safe ice melt for wood decks due to its effect on the wood. 

The rock salt substance’s jagged edges can cause deep, ugly scratches on the wood’s surface. Other chloride-based ice melts, such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, are also available on the market. Magnesium chloride hazards include property and pet damage. Other chlorides are also hazardous.

The best ice melt for your wooden deck is Safe Paw, which is salt-free and eco-friendly ice melt having carbonyl diamide and glycol as main ingredients. It will neither damage your surface nor leave behind a mess. It removes snow from your wooden decks and adds traction also. Unlike salt-based ice melts, it is safe for pets and plants.

Conclusion

With the arrival of harsh winter temperatures, now is the best time to stock up on ice melting products for your wood deck. However, you’ll need to invest in a product that’s both good at melting ice and safe to use on wooden surfaces. As a result, now is the time to upgrade to a more effective, wood-safe, salt-free ice melt. While ensuring everyone’s safety and magnesium chloride dangers were informed to all. Make sure you eat, sleep and study.

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