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.

YOU CAN FIND ICE MELTER AND RELATED PRODUCTS AT

AMERISOURCE INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY

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How do I know which ice melter product is best to use?

Start with the outside temperature. Rock salt, is great for melting ice at moderately cold temperatures (works down to 5°F). When the temperature falls below that, you should consider a blended product such as a specially formulated blend of magnesium chloride and sodium chloride (works down to -5°F) or a Calcium Chloride pellet (works down to -25°F). Other factors include activation speed, ease of handling and application, and desired features.

Do I really need the package instructions?

Yes. Proper application is important for the optimal performance and safety of any ice melting product. More product does not necessarily mean better performance.

What if my pet eats some ice melter?

Most ice melters are not produced under food grade conditions and therefore are not intended for human or animal consumption. If ingestion occurs, make sure your pet has water available to drink, which is usually all that’s needed. Ingesting large amounts, however, can result in gastrointestinal irritation. If your pet shows signs of distress, contact your veterinarian. Always store any ice melter out of reach of children and pets. (Refer to ice melter Material Safety Data Sheets for more information).

Will my pet be harmed if it walks where an ice melter has been applied?

Generally, no. If an animal picks up too much ice melter material in its paws, it may experience some irritation–especially if it has dry, cracked skin–so it’s advisable to brush or wash off encrusted product residue. Also, since ice melters lower the water temperature, the mix of melting snow, ice and ice melters can be uncomfortably cold to an animal’s feet. To help protect your pet, follow application instructions by clearing the snow and ice from pavement once it’s melted, and/or covering paws with pet booties to avoid possible frostbite.

How does Calcium Chloride differ from other ice melters?

Calcium chloride, which melts ice down to -25#176;F. It is exothermic, which means it gives off heat as it works, accelerating melting. Because of that, it is important to brush or wash off ice melter residue from your pet’s paws and coat to avoid possible skin and mouth irritation or burn. Calcium chloride is low in toxicity, but if ingested in small amounts, make water available, and contact your veterinarian if your pet shows signs of distress. As with other ice melters, store out of reach of children and pets. (Refer to ice melter Material Safety Data Sheets for more information).

What else can I do to minimize winter risk and discomfort to my pet?

Practice good grooming of your pet, such as trimming excess hair from footpads and toes to reduce ice, snow and salt accumulation and make cleaning easier. Keep pets away from treated surfaces until snow, ice and ice melters have been cleared away. Doing so promptly will also prevent re-freezing. If your pet gets wet, dry its coat, and especially its paws, to prevent cracking.

What if my child eats some ice melter?

Most ice melters are not intended for human or animal consumption. If a few grams of ice melter are accidentally ingested, drinking water is usually all that is needed. Ingesting large amounts can result in gastrointestinal irritation. If your child shows signs of discomfort, contact your doctor. Always store ice melters out of reach of children and pets. (Refer to ice melter Material Safety Data Sheets for more information).

Will ice melters damage my grass and shrubs?

Because ice melters transform snow and ice into liquid, there is run-off. Too high a rate of application results in excess run-off from the driveway or sidewalk surface area, which is the most common cause of injury to bordering lawn or vegetation. Soil type, vegetation species and climate are also factors in runoff effect. Published university field tests indicate there may be slight differences between the tendency of the common deicing chemicals to harm grass, but excessive application with any of them will harm vegetation. To reduce risk of this damage, apply ice melters according to package instructions and promptly remove snow, ice and slush from the sidewalk or driveway surface after application.

Will ice melters damage my concrete?

Poured concrete needs time to cure and seal, so do not apply ice melters to first-year concrete. Do not use on porous or improperly cured concrete, precast concrete items, masonry, mortar, wood or other porous materials. Use only on properly placed, cured and sealed, air-entrained concrete. To reduce risk of damage, apply ice melters according to package instructions. You may also apply a quality water-repelling sealant to the surface prior to winter. Finally, promptly remove snow, ice and slush that develops on the concrete after any ice melter application.

Will ice melters hurt my carpeting or wood floor?

With proper application and ice removal, ice melter should leave little film or residue. Any extra residue carried in from people’s boots and shoes should be either sponged up with water before it dries or vacuumed promptly once dry.

Can I use ice melters on my deck?

Prior to using any ice melter, you should contact the manufacturer of your decking or sidewalk materials for its recommendation. We do not recommend using ice melters on wood decks, brick sidewalks, patios or the relatively new, non-wood decking material.

Can deicing salt be used on roofs to remove ice dams?

For obvious safety reasons, we recommend you do not use ice melters for ice dam removal from roofs. The best solution is to consult a roof expert to prevent heat loss and ice dams from developing. Because there are a variety of ice removal options and roofing materials, you should consult your homeowners insurance or a professional roofer to determine the best method of removal for your type of roof.

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