Rock Salt or Ice Melt on Pavers?
Which one should I use?
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to use rock salt or ice melt this winter, then maybe this will help you to decide between the two. In order to answer this question for yourself, you’ll need to take several factors into consideration; factors that include surface type, temperature, potential harm to animals or vegetation, and of course the overall cost. You’ll also want to consider the pros and cons of ice melt vs. rock salt.
Rock Salt Pros and Cons
Rock salt does in fact melt ice, but at a slower rate when compared to ice melt. Rock salt will keep surfaces dry and will not attract moisture. Rock salt is effective to 15°F and is an inexpensive alternative to ice melt. Rock salt is a convenient alternative for anyone shopping around on a budget, but then again, is it worth it in the long run?
You very well may end up using more rock salt in comparison to ice melt, due to the fact that it does melt slower. You may find yourself adding more and more to melt it faster and to melt more of it, when you might not have to do this if you invest in ice melt. In the end, you may find yourself wishing that you had purchased the ice melt to begin with.
Some very serious cons to take into consideration regarding rock salt include that it is corrosive and is capable of corroding certain metals such as rebar, which is contained in concrete. Rock salt may also be harmful to your pets and your neighbor’s pets, as well as other animals.
Ice Melt Pros and Cons
Ice melt melts much more rapidly than traditional rock salt and is effective to -20°F! That is a 35 degree difference compared to rock salt. Ice melt is non-corrosive and will not harm your concrete, as well as other surfaces. Ice melt is not harmful to vegetation. Just as with rock salt, ice melt may also cause harm to your pets and your neighbor’s pets, as well as other animals unless you use SafePaw. Ice melt costs more than rock salt and may attract moisture, which may result in slippery conditions.
Choosing Between the Two
When making your final decision, it’s important to remember that both types may be harmful to pets and it is recommended by experts to use salt-free melt products in high pet traffic areas. To offset the cost of ice melt, there are products which include a mixture of both rock salt and ice melt. If you’re concerned with causing harm to vegetation, then an ice melt is your best bet. There are also ice melt green solutions that are not harmful to pets or vegetation; green solutions such as Safe Paw Ice Melter.
Safe Paw Ice Melter
If you’re more interested in using an ice melt this winter, then you’ll be happy to know that Safe Paw is the GREEN ice melt solution and top choice for consumers. It’s 100% salt-free, environmentally safe and friendly, and it’s both pet safe and child safe. Safe Paw is the original and leading #1 selling ice melt. To learn more about using Safe Paw Ice Melter this winter to keep your driveways and walkways slip-free, contact Safe Paw!