Using Ice Melt Vs Traditional Snow Removal Methods
As winter approaches, snow removal are likely to be on the top of your mind. Keeping ourselves and our families safe is a challenge in winter. Getting rid of snow and ice on the driveway, parking lot, and sidewalk is one of the biggest winter woes. If we go thirty years back, snow-packed white roads were somewhat expected and tolerated during winter months. But gradually, people started getting concerned about the potential slip and fall accidents and damaging consequences of leaving the snow in open areas. Hence, snow removal techniques gained popularity. The most popular choice in those times was shoveling. Let’s talk about the advantages and disadvantages of using ice melt or traditional snow removal methods, then decide on the best way to do the job.
Salt-Free Snow And Ice Melt
Safe Paw
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1. Shoveling
You can get rid of snow from the driveway and pavement with a good old-fashioned snow shovel. That’s one natural way of solving this problem without hurting plants and pets. The only drawback with this method is it’s labor-intensive and can be hard on your back.
2. Sand
Sand is another common method used by municipalities to clear the snow, but it’s hard on pet’s paws. Also, it’s a messy solution.
3. Melt The Ice With Ashes
Ashes may sound crude, but you can use them as a natural ice melt solution as well as for adding traction. But just like sand, it is also a messy solution.
4. Sugar Beet Juice
Sugar beet juice works by lowering the freezing point of the water. It can be used to deice the driveways, sidewalks, and roads. A big downside of using this natural ice melter is that it turns the pathway into a red-brown mess.
5. Rock Salt To Melt Ice
Rock salt is basically sodium chloride. The rock salt lowers the freezing point of the water from 32 degrees to 25 degrees, thereby slowing down the formation of ice. The porous concrete on your driveway absorbs the salty mixture and when the temperature falls below 25 degrees, the water re-freezes and expands, putting additional hydraulic pressure on the concrete and thereby damaging the concrete.
Ice Melt
According to a study, 60% of American households use rock salt or salt-based ice melt products, but only 38% of them are aware of its hazards. Almost all ice melt in the market contain chloride in one or the other form like- sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. Mostly, they are a blend of sodium chloride and other minerals like magnesium and calcium. They can corrode your concrete, metal furniture, or vehicles and can even harm your pets and plants.
Residential Snow Removal: Keep Your Home Safe
For homeowners, residential snow removal involves shoveling walkways, driveways, and even decks to maintain safety for family members, pets, and visitors. This type of snow shoveling may seem straightforward, but it requires attention to detail to avoid injury and property damage.
- Winter Preparation: The key to successful snow removal is winter preparation. Before the snow even hits, make sure you have all the tools you need—like a sturdy snow shovel or a snow blower. If you’re using pet-friendly ice melt, choose one that won’t harm your property or your pets. Safe Paw is a non-toxic, eco-friendly option perfect for this task.
- Shoveling Techniques: When shoveling snow, it’s important to push rather than lift, especially if the snow is wet and heavy. This reduces strain on your back and decreases the risk of injury. Take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue, and make sure to layer up with warm, weather-appropriate clothing.
- Timing Matters: Start clearing snow as soon as possible after the snowfall begins. Allowing the snow to pile up will make snow shoveling more difficult and could lead to ice formation, which is far more hazardous to remove.
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Commercial Snow Removal: Safety and Efficiency
In a commercial setting, snow removal takes on a larger scale. Business owners have a responsibility to ensure that parking lots, walkways, and entryways are clear for customers, employees, and delivery personnel. This type of commercial snow removal often requires additional tools and more advanced strategies.
- Larger Equipment: For larger spaces, like parking lots, a simple shovel won’t cut it. Snow plows and snow blowers become essential tools. Many commercial businesses also use skid steers or tractors with plowing attachments to manage large areas efficiently.
- Hiring Professional Services: Unlike residential snow removal, businesses often choose to hire professional snow removal services. These services ensure quick and thorough clearance, reducing the risk of accidents on slippery surfaces. They also offer ice melt solutions that are safe for customers and won’t damage your parking lot or walkways.
- Eco-Friendly Ice Melt: Business owners are increasingly turning to eco-friendly ice melt options like Safe Paw. Traditional salt and chemical-laden ice melts can erode surfaces over time, leading to long-term damage. Safe Paw not only protects your concrete but also keeps pets and the environment safe.
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.
Combining Residential and Commercial Snow Removal Tactics
No matter whether you’re managing a home or a business, having a solid plan in place for winter preparation can make all the difference. Start by stocking up on the best tools, choosing environmentally-friendly ice melt products, and maintaining a schedule for shoveling or plowing. Whether you’re tackling snow shoveling yourself or hiring professionals, these tips will help you maintain safety and accessibility throughout the winter season.
The Safest Way To Clear Snow
Urea-based ice melt is considered a safer option and the best pet-friendly ice melt. The crystalline amide-based solution is one of the only ice melt that guarantees its safety around children and pets. The modified crystalline amide core is infused with a special glycol admixture and traction agent. On contact with snow, the outer layer attacks immediately while the crystal core penetrates slowly to eliminate all snow and ice. They can melt at temperatures as low as -2 degrees.
Stay safe and confident this winter with Traction Magic!
This innovative, 100% natural product offers instant traction on any icy surface. Whether you’re navigating your sidewalk, steps, or driveway, Traction Magic helps you stay upright and prevents falls.
Other Ice Melt Products
Walk On Ice
Prevent slips at home, work or on the go, The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow.
Safe Thaw
Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.