A GUIDE TO SNOW AND ICE MELT PRODUCTS

Using ice melt makes clearing snow and ice from your driveway easier. It also reduces the risk of someone falling on an icy sidewalk or step. However, different types of ice melt are better than others, depending on the situation and climate. Here’s what you need to know.

Ice melt chemicals

Here are the most common active ingredients in various ice melt products:

• Sodium chloride (NaCl). Sodium Chloride is also known as rock salt. This is the most basic and least expensive product and melts ice and snow by reducing the freezing point of water. Rock salt is also highly corrosive and can damage concrete, wood and grass.

• Calcium chloride (CaCl2). This chemical produces heat when it turns to liquid. It melts snow and ice more quickly than rock salt and is safer for concrete. It also works well in extremely cold temperatures. However, it can burn your skin and harm your pets.

• Magnesium chloride (MgCl2). The mildest of ice melt options, magnesium chloride is considered a safer option for pets and grass. It’s less corrosive than rock salt but you need to use more to get the same result.

• Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Usually sold in liquid form, calcium magnesium acetate is safe for concrete and biodegradable. It’s less corrosive than rock salt.

Melting temperatures

Ice melt products have a “hot point,” which is the lowest temperature at which the chemical can melt ice. Rock salt is effective to around -15 C. Calcium chloride is “hot” to around -32 C. Therefore, using rock salt when it’s -20 C outside won’t have any benefits. Check the label and the forecast before using your product.

Ice melt and the environment

Many ice melt products are harmful to plants, so don’t shovel treated snow and ice onto your lawn or flower beds. Scoop up used salt and throw it away. CMA is safest for the environment because it’s low-corrosive, won’t harm concrete, degrades in the soil and has a hot point of around -22 C.

Ice melt and pets

Some products claim to be “pet friendly,” but all ice melt chemicals can potentially irritate and injure your pet’s paws. Place a rinse tray near your door and wash your pet’s paws after they come in from walks.

Ice melt spreaders in the GTA

At Hitch City, we sell walk-behind ice melt spreaders and truck bed and tailgate spreaders for larger jobs. We also sell a wide variety of other truck accessories such as sport racks, truck caps and towing hitches. Our three convenient locations in the Greater Toronto Area are also snow plow dealers. Contact us today to find a location nearest you and get a free quote.