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Rock Salt (sodium chloride) is the most commonly used ice melter. It is inexpensive & melts ice. Compared to other materials though, it as limited effectiveness in very cold temperatures (Below 20 degrees F). It will not melt ice at temperatures below 20 degrees F, and it may be harmful to vegetation.
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Can anything be used to counteract salt damage to turf & vegetation?
How do deicers work?
For a deicer to be effective in melting ice & snow, it must first create a brine solution with a lower freezing point than that of the surrounding ice & snow. However, not all deicers create a brine solution in the same manner. Some deicers create a brine solution by creating their own heat via a chemical reaction while other deicers must first absorb heat. It is this brine solution that melts ice & snow until which time the brine solution becomes diluted to a point that it is no longer effective. Then the particular deicer must be reapplied. If the snow is more that 2 inches deep, plow or shovel first, then spread the deicer. Deicers should never be applied applied directly on trees, shrubs, flower beds, ground cover or turf areas. Some deicers have the potential to cause burn or plant damage. Always be sure to follow all label instructions when applying ice melters.
Do deicers attack & damage concrete?
Most common deicers do not chemically attack concrete. Scaling and spalling of concrete is in fact caused by moisture thawing and refreezing (referred to as freeze / thaw cycles) within the concrete surface. However, good quality, air entrained concrete is resistant to scaling and spalling during freeze / thaw cycles.
Can deicers be used on new concrete?
It is not recommended to use any type of deicer on concrete that is less than 1 year old. Concrete will take up to a year to fully cure. If a deicer must be used, it is at the risk of the user. It is advised in this situation that the deicer be used very sparingly, and once it has penetrated the ice and snow. The slush should be removed immediately to minimize any possible damage to the concrete surface.
Can deicers be used on decorative pavers?
As the use of concrete, brick, flagstone, limestone and marble pavers grows, so does the concern for the effects that chemical deicers have on them. It is not recommended that any type of deicer be used on flagstone, limestone and marble pavers. It is also recommended that the use of deicers be avoided on brick and concrete pavers set in mortar. For brick and concrete pavers not set in mortar, certain deicers may be used.
Below are links to some very useful information for ice melt products and their characteristics.
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