Safest Ice Melt For Brick Pavers

Outdoor walkways are beautiful. Not only do they look elegant, but they also don’t make a hole in your pocket. However, they do require some care and in the snowy weather. Shoveling is one of the most popular ways of getting rid of the snow. But is it safe? And what about those chemical-based ice melt products? Are those ice melt products safe for brick pavers?

As winter descends and icy conditions prevail, safeguarding your outdoor spaces becomes paramount, particularly when it comes to pavers. Choosing the best ice melt for pavers is not only about safety but also about preserving the integrity of your pavers. In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the realm of paver-safe ice melt. We’ll address various concerns, such as the suitability of magnesium chloride, the impact of rock salt, and the effectiveness of Safe Paw. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of the best ice melt for pavers.

You may already know that using salt is not safe to use on brick and concrete. You may have also heard people using fertilizer for ice melt also. Then how do you remove ice without damaging the bricks and affecting their longevity?

Let us try to understand this from a scientific viewpoint.

Rock Salt And Pavers

Before we talk about the ice melt safe for brick pavers, let’s first learn how snow and pavers interact. 

In the liquid form, water molecules (oxygen and hydrogen) move freely. However, once frozen, they bond together in a perfect structure, creating ice. Sodium Chloride breaks these icy molecules or structures or other blends to loosen and melt the ice.

Rock salt when comes in contact with the ice, releases heat resulting in the melting of the ice.

If higher the salt concentration, the lower the freezing point because salty water has a better freezing threshold than regular water.

That may sound good, but here are the problem using rock salt to melt ice on pavers:

• The quick heat reaction and repeated exposure to rock salt cause the joints in between the pavers to contract and expand. 
• Every time the ice melts, it seeps in between the joints. And when it refreezes, it expands the concrete bit by bit. Over time, this results in wider gaps in between your pavers. 
• Salt is a corrosive material and eventually rusts metal, damages concrete, and causes cracks. 
• Overusing the ice melt for pavers can result in damaging the vegetation around the house as well. 

However, you can avoid the stress altogether with the proper ice melt safe for brick and concrete pavers.

Winter can be tough on your property, especially when it comes to maintaining brick surfaces like driveways and walkways. Choosing the right ice melt product is essential, not only for safety but also to minimize damage to your masonry. Here’s what you need to know:

Brick-Safe Ice Melt

Choosing brick-safe ice melt is crucial. While rock salt is common, it’s not the best choice for brick pavers because it can leach into the pores of the bricks and cause spalling due to moisture expansion when temperatures rise. Instead, look for ice melt products labeled as concrete-safe or brick-safe that minimize chloride exposure which can degrade mortar joints. Even if an ice melt is not labelled as concrete-safe or brick-safe, the best way to check its safety is by reading the labels. We do not recommend any product that contains harsh chemicals like chlorides.

Environmental and Pet Considerations

When it comes to your furry friends and the planet, environmentally friendly ice melt and pet-safe ice melt are essential. Products containing glycol and urea rather than salts can be safer for both pets who may walk on the treated surfaces and the surrounding greenery.

Application Tips

Knowing how to apply ice melt on bricks properly is as important as choosing the right type. Always apply a thin, even layer. Excessive use of deicers can lead to runoff and increased damage. After the ice has melted, promptly remove slush and residue to prevent the ice melt from penetrating deeper into the brickwork.

Post-Winter Care

Maintaining brick surfaces after ice melt use involves thorough cleaning in the spring. Wash down the areas to remove any residual deicing product, which can continue to cause damage long after the ice has melted. Inspect for any loosened mortar or cracked bricks and repair them to prevent further water ingress. This is another reason why you should not choose chloride-based ice melt products.

Choosing the Best Products

When it comes to selecting the best ice melt for brick surfaces, it’s crucial to opt for products that are explicitly marketed as safe for masonry. While products like Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) are often touted for being less corrosive than chloride-based deicers, they are not without their drawbacks. CMA can still lead to a slick surface, making it potentially hazardous in terms of slip-and-fall accidents. It’s also significantly more expensive than other deicers, making it a less economical choice for large areas.

Instead, consider a product like Safe Paw, which offers a specialized formula tailored for safety and effectiveness on various surfaces, including brick. Safe Paw is free from salts and chlorides, eliminating the risk of masonry damage due to chemical reactions that can lead to cracking and spalling. This product is also environmentally friendly, ensuring that it won’t harm surrounding vegetation or pose a risk to pets and wildlife. Safe Paw’s unique formulation not only melts ice effectively but also provides a protective layer to prevent re-freezing, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and beauty of brick driveways and walkways throughout the winter.

Understanding the Risks

Be aware of the ice melt damage to brick. Deicers can exacerbate freeze-thaw cycles that brick structures undergo in winter climates, leading to accelerated deterioration. Rock salt and brick damage is a common issue, where the hygroscopic nature of salt attracts moisture that expands upon freezing, exerting pressure within the brick and causing it to crack or split.

Protection Strategies

To protect brick driveways and other masonry during winter, consider using safer products instead of salt-based products, or opt for newer formulations that combine efficacy with lower chemical concentrations to safeguard both your masonry and the environment.

Ice Melt For Pavers

By understanding the needs of your specific surface and choosing products wisely, you can keep your brick driveways and walkways ice-free and undamaged through the winter months. Always prioritize products that align with the safety of your environment, pets, and the longevity of your masonry structures.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

So, Is There Any Safe Ice Melt That You Can Use On Bricks?

Yes, there are. There are non-chloride, available in the market that are non-toxic, pet-friendly, and non-corrosive. These are safe to use on bricks and are the best ice melt for the driveway as they act as pre-treatment also. Few ice melts can prevent ice from sticking to surfaces for up to three days, making it easy to clear the snow later.

Since these ice melts are chloride-free and salt-free, they do not cause efflorescence or leave crystal deposits. They are also safe for plants & vegetation and pets.

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.

Often our walkways, patios, and even driveways are made of bricks. Choosing the best ice melt for a driveway can help you extend its lifespan. So, look for an ice melt that will keep melted ice in a liquid state for a longer duration. It means that ice melt will not refreeze as easily or as often, thus preventing the freeze-thaw cycle.

Conclusion:

Selecting the right ice melt for your pavers involves more than just immediate ice removal. It’s about ensuring the durability and visual appeal of your outdoor spaces. By embracing paver-safe options like Safe Paw, you prioritize the safety and lifespan of your pavers. With a commitment to paver protection, you can confidently face winter’s icy challenges, knowing that your pavers are shielded by an ice melt that cares.

FAQs

Other Ice Melt Products