Should You Apply Ice Melt Before Snow

In just a few days, several parts of the United States will be covered in a broad layer of snow. While children must be excited about that time of the year, their parents must be worried about keeping themselves and their families safe from the consequences of the winter season. 

Now, if you’re one of those parents, you must have started your preparations for the snow season. If you haven’t, then it’s time for you to buckle up and start.

But where to start?

Let me tell you a secret hack, start applying an ice melt before the snow comes. 

If you’re asking why you should apply an ice melt even before the snow comes, this article is just for you. This article will share why you should be using an ice melt before the snowfall arrives. 

But before diving in, let’s understand what an ice melt is.

Eco Safe Ice Melt

What Is An Ice Melt?

Most people think that the term “ice melt” refers to anything that helps you melt snow and ice, including rock salt. In reality, an ice melt refers to its classification of compounds, separate from rock salt. Yes, rock salt has long been one of the more popular used products for melting snow and ice, but the fact is, it’s very harmful to the environment. 

Best Time to Use Ice Melt: Timing is Key

Knowing the best time to use ice melt can make all the difference in both effectiveness and reducing environmental harm. The key is to apply ice melt preemptively.

• Before the Storm: The best approach is to apply ice melt just before snow or freezing rain starts. By doing this, you create a barrier, preventing ice from bonding to the surface. This proactive measure can significantly reduce the need for large quantities of ice melt later on. Keep an eye on the weather forecast, so you’re ready for snow or ice before it arrives.
• During Snowfall: If you miss the initial window, don’t worry. You can still apply ice melt during snowfall. This will help soften the snow and prevent compaction, making it easier to remove.
• After Snow Removal: Once you’ve cleared the snow, apply a light layer of ice melt to prevent any lingering moisture from turning into slippery ice. This can save you from reapplying ice melt unnecessarily.

Environmental Impact of Ice Melt

While ice melt helps keep roads and sidewalks safe, it can have a harmful impact on the environment. Conventional ice melts often contain salts and chemicals that can damage vegetation, contaminate groundwater, and affect wildlife.

• Groundwater Contamination: Excess ice melt can seep into the soil, affecting water quality. Chloride-based ice melts, such as sodium chloride, are notorious for polluting nearby water sources. This is where proper application timing can help: using less ice melt, only when necessary, reduces environmental damage.
• Damage to Plants and Soil: Overuse of ice melt can harm the vegetation in your yard. The salts in many de-icers can burn plants and disrupt the natural balance of the soil. Always be cautious about how much product you’re using.

Winter Safety and Ice Melt Application

Aside from environmental concerns, your priority during winter is to ensure safety for yourself and your family. Effective ice melt timing can reduce slips, falls, and accidents.

• Temperature Matters: Not all ice melts work the same at low temperatures. Understanding how each type of ice melt behaves in different weather conditions is important. For instance, magnesium chloride works at lower temperatures than sodium chloride. Choosing the right product based on your area’s climate can improve safety and efficiency.
• Protect Pets and Surfaces: When selecting an ice melt, always consider whether it’s pet-friendly or if it may damage concrete surfaces. Products that are eco-friendly and designed to minimize damage to both your property and the environment are highly recommended.

Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Options

While traditional ice melt products may be effective, they are not always the most sustainable. Many manufacturers now offer eco-friendly and pet-safe ice melts that minimize environmental impact while keeping your property safe. Look for products that do not contain magnesium chloride or calcium chloride and which are less harmful to both the environment and your pets.

By being mindful of your ice melt application timing and choosing more environmentally safe products, you can make a significant difference in both winter safety and environmental preservation.

So What Should We Use?

An ice melt is 100% safe for you, your family, pets, and the environment. And all the qualities can be found in safe paw ice melter 35 lbs pail. This ice melt is entirely safe, easy to use, and inexpensive. 

Where Can I Buy Safepaw Ice Melter?

You can buy safe paw ice melter 35 lbs pail directly from its website without going through any unnecessary hassles and now coming back to the main question.

​​Should You Apply Ice Melt Before The Snow?

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.

The answer is a big YES. 

Applying ice melt before a storm will allow the brine to form when the snowfall starts and prevent ice from bonding to surfaces. While it may not entirely melt all the ice and snow, using ice melt before snowfall will simplify the ice and snow removal process. This way, you’ll not need to waste too much time and effort on removing the snow around your house. This, in turn, will also keep you and your family safe. Also, this practice will help you protect your property as snow can even harm concrete.

To Conclude-

So this is why you need to apply an ice melt before the snowfall and storms arrive. Although before you start doing it, you should know which ice melt to choose. And when you finally decide on the ice melt, read the instructions carefully and then start applying. A good ice melt will not only protect you and your family but will also not harm the environment. So before you choose, make sure you have done all your research.

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