Lime Stone Steps? Here’s What To Use to Melt Ice

Natural stone stairs are a high-end material that adds value to any home over time. Limestone and sandstone stairs, in particular, are eye-catching, providing depth to your house and pool areas. Natural stone is known for its durability and resistance to the elements. 

Long-term protection, especially against salt, necessitates your attention. The abrasive salt-based ice melt compounds can wreak havoc on almost any building material, including metal, concrete, and stone. Some stones are more resistant to salt attack than others; porous materials like limestone and sandstone are more vulnerable. Hence, as a homeowner, you need to know what type of salt is used on roads. You also need to understand the importance of avoiding corrosive ice melts. The non-salt ice melt is the best option for homeowners. Let us know more about ice melts safely for limestone.

How Salt Damages The Limestone?

Water’s freezing point lowers through de-icers. Depending on how much salt is in the water, the freezing point of the salty water will vary. This water will thaw and freeze periodically if the temperature increases and falls beyond the 20° threshold. 

It implies that if saline water gets into the crevices and pores of your walkways and patios, the freezing and thawing will harm the material, whether it’s limestone or concrete. As a result, when mixed with snowmelt water, it’s advisable to opt for a de-icing chemical with a low freezing point.

There are other chloride-based ice melts in the market, sold under different brand names but have the same corrosive chloride-based ingredients. They may be less toxic for plants and pets, but they are equally disastrous for your limestone stairs.

Other Ice Melts

• Crystalline Amide With Glycol – Safe Paw : It is the only snowmelt solution in the market that is safe for pets, children, surfaces, and the environment. It is free from corrosive and toxic chemicals. It is safe for all surfaces like limestone, concrete, asphalt, wood, and metal. It includes traction agents to avoid any slip and fall on your premises. Moreover, it also minimizes the freeze-thaw cycle, thus ensuring a smooth outer surface of limestone stairs. It also gives a long-lasting protection cover from snow accumulation.
• Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) : Calcium Magnesium Acetate is a brand-new supplement on the market. It’s a water-soluble acid similar to vinegar. But only modest use is advisable. It is significantly more expensive than other ice melting methods. 
• Potassium Chloride : It is sold as one of the safest de-icers for pet owners. But if swallowed by pets with kidney conditions, it can be fatal. When used in moderation, it is the least destructive de-icers for plants. Furthermore, its freezing point of 15–20° is comparable to rock salt. Hence, it will not be able to prevent a freeze-thaw cycle.
• Magnesium Chloride: Like potassium chloride, if consumed by pets with kidney illness, it can be fatal. The freezing point of magnesium chloride is -13°.

Now, let’s explore the options for ice melt for concrete sidewalks, non-corrosive ice melt for concrete, and pet-safe ice melt for concrete, and discuss how to prevent ice melt damage to concrete.

Ice Melt for Concrete Sidewalk

Using the wrong type of ice melt can spell disaster for concrete sidewalks. While effective, many traditional salts can cause spalling and cracking due to the harsh chemicals they contain. For concrete sidewalks, it’s essential to choose ice melt products that are effective yet gentle enough to preserve the structure of the concrete.

Non-Corrosive Ice Melt for Concrete

Non-corrosive ice melt is formulated to minimize damage to concrete surfaces. These products often contain ingredients like Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA), which is much milder on concrete than the traditional rock salt. It works by not allowing ice particles to bond with each other or the concrete surface, thus making it easier to remove without spoiling the concrete. However, it’s crucial to remember that while CMA is gentle on the environment and surfaces, it operates effectively only in temperatures just below freezing, making it less versatile in extreme cold.

Pet-Safe Ice Melt for Concrete

If you have pets at home, their safety is as important as clearing your sidewalks. Pet-safe ice melts for concrete consist of ingredients that are safe for their paws and will not cause harm if swallowed accidentally. These products ordinarily avoid powerful substances and salts in favour of gentler compounds that can melt ice without the dangers posed by conventional ice melts.

Ice Melt Damage to Concrete

Understanding how ice melt can damage concrete is key to choosing the right product. Ice melts containing sodium chloride or magnesium chloride can accelerate the freeze-thaw cycle on concrete surfaces. This cycle causes water to seep into the concrete, freeze, and expand, thus creating cracks and potholes. Additionally, the corrosive nature of these chemicals can further degrade the integrity of the concrete over time.

Knowing how an ice melt can damage concrete is central to choosing the right product. Sodium chloride or magnesium chloride-based ice melts may hasten this process leading to a freeze-thaw on top of a concrete area. Water seeps into the concrete during this process, freezes and expands creating cracks and potholes. In addition, these chemicals corrode the internal structure of the concrete over time.

t causing unnecessary harm to the environment, your pets, or the lifespan of your concrete.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Best Practices for Application

1. Apply Sparingly: More isn’t always better. Use the minimum amount necessary to break up ice and snow, which will minimize runoff and reduce the amount of chemical exposure to your concrete.
2. Proper Timing: Apply ice melt before a snowfall to prevent ice from bonding strongly with the concrete, and reapply as needed after clearing away snow.
3. Post-Cleanup: Once the ice has melted, remove any residue of the ice melt product. This practice helps protect both the concrete’s surface and the environment.

Choosing an effective, safe, and non-corrosive ice melt for your concrete surfaces involves more than just picking up the first bag you see. It requires consideration of the environmental impact, pet safety, and the specific needs of your concrete surfaces. With the right product and application method, you can maintain safe, ice-free concrete sidewalks all winter long withou

Conclusion

Now you know what types of salts are used on roads and how they can damage your limestone stairs. The best way to avoid this problem is by using a salt-free and natural ice melt. You can thus protect your surface from chlorides and enjoy a mess-free winter.

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.

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