Archive for the ‘Ice Melt’ Category

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ICE MELTER

MAY WE SUGGEST THESE ICE MELTING PRODUCTS…

Now is the time to stock up on ice melting products before you actually need them. It is also a good idea to keep a small bag in the trunk of your car in case you get stuck on an icy parking lot or side street. There are many products available and understanding the differences between them will help you choose the best one.

HOW DO ICE MELTING PRODUCTS WORK?

Ice melting products work by first attracting moisture and forming a liquid, then as the liquid flows over and under the ice it causes it to melt. The rate of melting depends on how fast the chemical reacts to the existing moisture. When temperatures drop there is less water available and melting is slowed or inhibited. All products will have some effect on the environment.

The two most commonly used and inexpensive materials are Rock salt ( sodium chloride, NaCl) and calcium chloride (CaCl₂). They melt ice over the broadest temperature range and are the only materials effective below 20F. Sodium chloride will work down to 15F, and calcium chloride to 5F. Both are very corrosive and can damage lawns, trees and shrubs.

Ice melting materials that are less corrosive are: urea (fertilizer), potassium chloride (KCL), and calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). These materials are only effective down to 20F and are more expensive. The least effective of the three is the urea. This is a fertilizer and is required in large amounts to melt ice and therefore has the potential to pollute surface and ground water. The Maryland Cooperative Extension does not recommend using fertilizers for ice melting.

Often products contain combinations of the above materials along with an aggregate like sand to aid traction. These products are effective over the entire range of temperatures while offering reduced environmental impact. Check the label to be sure of the contents of the package.

APPLICATION AND STORAGE

Ice melting products are best applied prior to ice formation. They should be spread thinly over the entire surface. If thick ice has formed in very cold weather add some water to the product to initiate melting.

Experts emphasize that proper ice melter storage will depend on the composition of the product. A good rule of thumb: Ice melters should be stored in airtight containers in humidity-controlled environments. In other words, keep them away from moisture and air.

According to experts, chlorides will draw moisture and will degrade and harden the ice melt product. But, if you have product left over at the end of the season as long as the bag hasn’t been opened, you can leave it as is. Again, any open containers must be completely sealed as exposed ice melters attract moisture and can lead to a product that’s akin to concrete.

Cleaning departments are also encouraged to keep bagged ice melt in air tight containers and covered with a dark wrap to keep the bags from becoming brittle from ultra violet exposure.

Suggested rules of storage for ice melters:
• Protect them from humidity/moisture and sunlight.
• Store them in the original or sealed bag — must be air tight

SAFETY: FOR YOURSELF AND THE ENVIRONMENT

• When using calcium chloride, you must protect eyes and hands as this product can burn unprotected skin.
• Beware of slip and fall hazards. Some manufacturers comment that the oily-like residue from snow and ice treated with calcium chloride can represent a dangerous slip and fall hazard. Customers ought not be fooled by calcium chloride products that claim to have been treated to eliminate this nasty residue — by its very chemical makeup, calcium chloride leaves behind an oily-like residue.
• Use the recommended amount. Overuse can burn vegetation and desiccate the soil. The best precaution is to use spreaders with guards to prevent ice melters from being applied to areas which can be damaged. For narrow pathways and walks, drop spreaders are most effective. (Plus, it costs money to waste product.)
• Of course, do not ingest the product.

Tip:
Many customers think that the ice melt products damage concrete. According to experts, in reality it is the physical freeze/thaw cycle which is accelerated by ice melters that causes spalling in the concrete surface. Using ice melters that work at a lower temperature will lessen this effect as they will lessen the frequency of refreezing..

So, order your ice melter ahead of time, make sure you get the one that’s right for you, store it properly…and enjoy a (relatively) hassle-free, ice-free winter season.

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