Michigan, Here’s What You Should Use On The New Concrete
The Almanac report predicts that Winter temperatures in Michigan will be ‘much above normal, on average, despite cold periods in early and mid-December, from late December into early January, in early to mid-January, and in late January. Precipitation will be near normal. Snowfall will be below normal in most areas, with the snowiest periods in early and mid-December, mid-to-late February, and early to mid-March.’
The NOAA winter forecast reveals that Michigan is in an interesting part of an active storm track.
How much are you prepared for the snow? Are you a savvy homeowner who wants to take care of his concrete pavement, driveway, and steps? If yes, then this article is for you.
It’s common knowledge that most of the ice melt products and salt products are not safe for our concrete. The fact is that salt doesn’t stop the thawing and freezing process. Salt is slightly acidic, and the acidity breaks down the chemical bonds essential to concrete’s strength.
Another thing that makes the situation worse is that most concrete in driveways is reinforced with steel, and salt quickly corrodes steel. It attracts moisture that can cause corrosion. Corrosion affects the rebar of the concrete under the surface, which results in the development of cracks and flakes.
Some of the common salts used to melt the snow are- sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Although magnesium chloride is comparatively less harmful since it releases less chloride in the environment, it isn’t the best option either.
So, what should you use?
Pet And Concrete 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.
Best Ice Melter For New Concrete
The best way to make sure that your concrete doesn’t get cracks and develop flakes is by using the best ice melter for new concrete. You can go for a salt-free, chloride-free deicer. Since they don’t contain corrosives or salts, they act gently on the concrete. They can work at low temperatures and are equally effective. Another good thing with salt-free deicers is, they come with the preventive Teflon effect. This effect creates an invisible layer on the deiced surface after your floor is free from the snow, which makes it easy for shoveling also.
Weather Forecast
[wpc-weather id=”2648″ /]Other Benefits Of Using A Safe Ice Melt For New Concrete
Pet-friendly-
Most of the ice melt are poisonous chemicals and harmful to animals. Even the so-called ‘pet-safe’ companies that round off the sharp edges of the salt and claim themselves to be pet-friendly use the same ingredients (chemicals with rounder granules).
Very few companies are actually safe.
Safe Paw is not only the best ice melter for new concrete it’s also safe for your pets.
Safe for plants-
Another reason you should use a chemical-free ice melt is that the sodium in the salt displaces other minerals in the soil. Therefore, chloride gets absorbed and damages the metabolic processes of the leaves. Dead needles that you usually see on the side of the driveways and walkways are a symptom of it.
Here are some more ways you can take care of your new concrete.
