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°.

Preventive Measures:

• Choose the Right Ice Melt: Opt for ice melt products labeled as safe for natural stone surfaces.

• Test in a Small Area: Before applying ice melt to a large area, test it on a small, inconspicuous spot to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage.

• Apply Sparingly: Use ice melt sparingly to avoid overexposure to chemicals on your natural stone steps.

• Prompt Cleanup: After the ice has melted, clean the surface to remove any residue from the ice melt.

Conclusion

Choosing the right ice melt for natural stone steps, like limestone, is crucial to maintaining their beauty and integrity. Opt for products like Safe Paw that are specifically formulated to be gentle on delicate surfaces while effectively melting ice. By following preventive measures and using responsible ice melt solutions, you can ensure the safety of your steps without compromising their elegance.

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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