Ice and freezing temperatures can be a problem during the winter months. Potentially dangerous when accumulated on driveways, steps, and walkways, ice can cause slips, falls, and accidents that can put a real dent in your winter. Aside from shoveling, scraping, and sanding, ice melt is one of the most common ways to deal with slippery and icy conditions come winter. If your neighborhood gets icy in the colder months, perhaps using ice melt is the best approach for you. Here is everything you need to know about ice melt so you can be as prepared as possible for winter.
What is Ice Melt?
Ice melt is a compound that melts ice by lowering the freezing point of water. By attracting moisture and forming a liquid brine solution, these products can generate heat and melt the ice where applied.
Each type of ice melts works a little differently, so it’s important to know what kind you are using. That way, you can apply it correctly and understand what kind of results to expect.
For example, the effectiveness of some types of ice melt depends on how cold it is outside: as temperatures drop, you may see its effectiveness decrease. And if you live in a region or climate that experiences extremely cold temperatures, products that include calcium chloride may work better.
Different Types of Ice Melt
Ice melt comes in different forms and can be made from different materials. Typically the active ingredients in ice melt are sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate. These chemicals all have different effects and implications that make some products better for certain needs or circumstances. Here are some common types of ice melt:
- Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt): The most commonly used ice melt. It’s effective but can be corrosive to concrete, metal, and harmful to plants and pets.
- Calcium Chloride: This is one of the most effective ice melts, working in temperatures as low as -25°F. This type is best for extreme winter climates and is less harmful to plants, but it can cause skin irritation.
- Magnesium Chloride: Works well in temperatures down to -13°F and is considered less corrosive than rock salt. It’s gentler on surfaces like concrete and safer for plants.
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): CMA is less corrosive than chlorides and works by preventing ice from bonding to surfaces. It’s usually applied in liquid form and is safer for plants and pets.
- Blended Ice Melts: Many products combine different chemicals to balance performance and safety. These blends are more versatile across varying temperature ranges and are best for moderate winters.
Is Ice Melt Bad for Concrete?
Some kinds of ice melt can be bad for concrete. Especially for newer or previously damaged concrete, some ice melts can corrode and further damage concrete surfaces. Here is the impact of each type of ice melt on concrete:
- Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt): One of the most harmful to concrete, especially newly poured or damaged surfaces. Its corrosive nature accelerates freeze-thaw cycles, which can lead to cracking and spalling of concrete over time.
- Calcium Chloride: Less damaging to concrete than sodium chloride, but still poses a risk. It works faster and at lower temperatures, which can cause rapid melting and refreezing, stressing concrete surfaces.
- Magnesium Chloride: Gentler on concrete than both sodium and calcium chloride. It poses a lower risk of damage, but over time, continuous use can still degrade concrete due to moisture absorption, especially on surfaces that are already compromised.
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): Considered safe for concrete. Unlike chloride-based products, CMA is non-corrosive and works by preventing ice from bonding to surfaces, making it a better option for concrete surfaces.
- Blended Ice Melts: The impact on concrete depends on the blend. Products that mix sodium chloride with less harmful chemicals like magnesium chloride or CMA can reduce damage to concrete, but over time, the sodium chloride can still cause wear.
Is Ice Melt Safe for Pets?
The short answer to this is no. Ice melts are not safe for pets, but some types provide less risk to pets than others. Here is an overview of each kind and the risk is poses to pets:
- Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt): Not safe for pets. Sodium chloride can irritate and burn the paws of pets, and if ingested (from licking paws or drinking contaminated water), it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and more severe symptoms like increased thirst, disorientation, and even seizures.
- Calcium Chloride: Moderately harmful to pets. Calcium chloride can cause irritation and burns to paws, as well as gastrointestinal problems if ingested. Ingesting calcium chloride can lead to drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea. It’s still better than sodium chloride but should be used cautiously around pets.
- Magnesium Chloride: Considered safer for pets than sodium and calcium chloride. While magnesium chloride is still an irritant, it causes less paw irritation and is less toxic if ingested. However, it can still cause mild gastrointestinal upset if pets lick it off their paws or fur.
- Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA): One of the safest ice melts for pets. CMA is generally considered non-toxic and much gentler on paws, making it a better option for pet-friendly households. Though CMA is less harmful, it’s still best to wipe pets’ paws after walking to prevent any possible irritation.
- Blended Ice Melts: The safety of blended products depends on the ingredients. If the blend contains sodium or calcium chloride, the risks to pets increase. Blends with magnesium chloride or CMA are generally safer. Always check the packaging for pet-friendly claims, but even “pet-safe” blends should be used carefully.
Note: Even ice melt products that claim to be pet-safe are not considered completely safe for pets. The Animal Poison Control Center classifies all ice melt products as chemical irritants that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms and irritation to your pet’s paws and skin. It’s best to have your pet wear booties and wipe their paws down after they’ve been outside to prevent irritation.
How to Use Ice Melt
Different kinds of ice melt require different application methods. You could opt to buy pellets, granules, or liquid ice melt, and each one of these will need to be applied slightly differently. That said, there are a few general guidelines to follow when using ice melt:
- Apply Early: Get a head start before snow or ice accumulates. Apply ice melt as soon as it begins to snow or surfaces become slick to prevent ice formation.
- Clear Snow First: If there is already snow accumulation, use a shovel, plow, or snow blower to remove the snow before applying ice melt.
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear gloves or other protective gear when handling and applying ice melt to avoid skin irritation.
- Apply Evenly: Apply ice melt in a thin layer, as close to the surface as possible.
- Use a Spreader for Dry Ice Melt: For pellet or granular ice melt, use a spreader to ensure an even application across the surface.
- Use a Sprayer for Liquid Ice Melt: For liquid ice melt, use a clean garden sprayer or watering can to distribute it evenly.
- Remove Excess Ice Melt: After the ice has melted, remove any excess ice melt from the surface. Avoid shoveling it into grass or plants as it can be damaging.
- Dispose Properly: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe disposal or push excess ice melt away from areas that can be damaged.
How Long Does Ice Melt Last When Applied?
The time it takes for ice melt to work after it’s applied depends on several factors, including the temperature, the type of ice melt used, and the thickness of the ice. Here are general guidelines:
- Type of Ice Melt: Some ice melts, like calcium chloride, work very quickly and can start melting ice within 15 minutes at temperatures as low as -25°F. Sodium chloride (rock salt), on the other hand, works slower and is less effective in temperatures below 20°F, typically taking longer to show results.
- Temperature: Ice melts work faster when the temperature is closer to freezing (32°F). As the temperature drops, certain products may take longer to activate or may not work as effectively. In very low temperatures, ice melt containing magnesium chloride or calcium chloride will work faster than others.
- Ice Thickness: The thicker the ice, the longer it will take for ice melt to penetrate and melt it. A light layer of ice may melt within 20 minutes, while thicker layers could take longer and require reapplication.
Choosing Which Type of Ice Melt to Use
Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt):
- Bad for concrete
- Harmful to pets
- Doesn’t work well in lower temperatures
- Typically lasts a few hours
- May require reapplication in extreme cold or heavy ice
Calcium Chloride:
- Less damaging than rock salt but still has the potential to harm concrete
- Moderately harmful to pets
- Highly effective in very cold temperatures (down to -25°F)
- Works quickly
- Usually lasts longer than sodium chloride (several hours)
Magnesium Chloride:
- Gentler on concrete
- Safer for pets than other chloride-based ice melts
- Works in cold temperatures down to -13°F
- Lasting effects for several hours, typically longer than rock salt
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA):
- One of the safest options for concrete
- Generally safer for pets than other options
- works slower than chloride-based products
- may require reapplication, especially in very cold conditions
- most effective for preventing ice from bonding to surfaces
Blended Ice Melts:
- Higher concentrations of sodium chloride may be damaging, while blends with magnesium chloride or CMA are less harmful
- Blends with lower chloride content or those labeled “pet-friendly” tend to be safer
- blended ice melts generally provide longer-lasting results than single-component products, especially in mixed weather conditions
Ice melt is an excellent option for managing winter weather and icy conditions. Choose the right kind of ice melt for your needs to apply to driveways, steps, walkways, and other slippery surfaces to protect yourself from slipping and sliding. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions before using and read the application guidance and safety recommendations.