Did you know that ice melts can damage flagstone and other hardscaping walkways as well as concrete?
It is true that over time, ice melts can erode away at hardscaping surfaces and cost thousands of dollars in damage.
But, if you pick the right ice melt and utilize it correctly, you can protect hardscaping for a very long time.
What is the best way to apply an ice melt on concrete without harming it?
Today, we’re going to investigate that.
Let’s start now!
What type of ice melt is the safest to use on concrete?
In conclusion, magnesium chloride is the best ice melt to use on hard surfaces because many other ice melts will eventually damage concrete. Magnesium chloride can be applied around metal surfaces without risk.
The second-best alternative, calcium chloride, is quite close, but it shouldn’t be applied to freshly built concrete.
One of the more well-known brands of calcium chloride ice melt is Peladow. Although more expensive, it is far more effective than typical ice melts.
It is also one of the best ice melts for your lawn and generally safe for dogs.
Why do ice melts cause concrete to deteriorate?
Spalling is the term for the concrete flaking process. As the ice melts and the concrete becomes saturated with water, palling takes place. Concrete will spall as a result of the mixture freezing inside of it.
Also, some winter melts will erode away at the surface coating if your concrete has a coated surface.
Your driveway and walkways may become damaged over time due to the spalling process.
You must choose the best ice melt and apply it carefully to avoid spalling.
When it comes to your cement and asphalt, calcium chloride is a better ice melt because it won’t seep into the concrete and refreeze. By doing this, the concrete won’t crack.
Are you interested in learning more about protecting your driveway? Use these 5 methods to prevent weeds from growing in your driveway!
What characteristics do experts in snow removal seek in an ice melt?
The table below shows the findings of our study of a group of lawn care experts regarding the qualities they look for in an ice melt.
As you can see from the outcomes, the quickness with which an ice melt functions is the most important feature that snow removal professionals look for.
The primary concern of another 26% of people was how an ice melt performs in subfreezing conditions.
The pricing of the melt was the third feature that snow removal professionals looked for, with 22% of respondents stating that this was their main concern.
What qualities do experts in lawn care seek for in a snow melt?
How to Melt Ice from Your Hardscaping in the Right Way
Using your ice melt properly is key to preventing salt and ice melt damage to your hardscapes. You may lessen the amount of ice melt you require and avoid any potential damage by using it appropriately.
You should adhere to these 3 straightforward suggestions to safely melt the ice from your driveway and sidewalks:
Apply winter melt in advance of snowfall
Before applying a melt, remove any snowfall.
Use only what is necessary.
You should continue reading if you reside in a state with a lot of snowfall each year, such as Vermont, New Hampshire, or Michigan.
Instead, employ a snow removal company to treat your ice for you.
- Use Ice Melt Before the Storm in advance.
It’s crucial to spread ice melt on your concrete surfaces before it snows, but most people don’t do this.
Why?
The solution is straightforward: by doing so, you can stop snow and/or ice from adhering to the surface of your walkways.
This will facilitate shoveling it out before applying more ice melt. Also, you will use a LOT LESS ice melt each time it snows.
- Before using an ice melt, remove any snow.
Removing the snow before it compacts and turns to ice is the most crucial step in lowering the amount of ice melt you need to use.
This will substantially lessen your reliance on ice melts.
Take off the snow right away. It can be more harder to clear the snow after it has settled and compacted.
Pro tip Never shovel freshly fallen snow after spreading an ice melt on top of it. Otherwise, you risk ruining your concrete and hardscapes and squandering ice melt.
Employ Only What You Need 3.
You won’t need to use nearly as much ice melt if you stick to the advice above.
Just spread a thin, equal layer across your flagstone and concrete walks.
You won’t need as much ice melt if you spread it evenly.
Employ colored ice melt, expert advice. You can use this to see where your winter melt has already been applied. and stop you from spreading it too far in the same areas.
The Best Ice Melt for Usage on Concrete, in a Nutshell
Using a good ice melt and, more importantly, using it correctly can make melting ice from concrete safely straightforward.
Your best option is probably going to be magnesium chloride, and it’s even pet-safe!
Despite being more expensive than most other ice melts, magnesium and calcium chloride go a long way and will help you protect the investment you’ve made in your hardscapes.
Check out this guide to winterizing your lawn care equipment for more information on how to get your lawn and house ready for the winter.