When winter rolls in, bringing with it treacherous snow and bitter cold temperatures, it’s important to take a look at calcium chloride ice melt vs magnesium chloride as the best product for you to use – especially if you are located in Maryland like we are, or in the northern states. And when looking to pick the best ice melt product in winter, it’s important to know these three facts about industry leaders Calcium Chloride Ice Melt vs Magnesium Chloride.
1. Calcium chloride penetrates ice quicker at lower temperatures.
Calcium chloride is able to melt ice at a lower temperature point of -20°F than magnesium chloride,which comes in at -13°F. When the temperature is really low, there is a higher chance for magnesium chloride to clog equipment, making calcium chloride the more practical option for extremely cold temperatures like our customers experience in Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
2. Magnesium chloride needs to be applied in larger quantities to be effective.
In order to be as effective as calcium chloride, magnesium chloride needs to be applied in larger amounts. Magnesium chloride is a hexahydrate salt, which means that the solid product is more dilute. Therefore, you have to apply more of the magnesium chloride to reach the same level of effectiveness as calcium chloride.
3. Magnesium chloride is safer for the environment.
Like all chloride-based materials, both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are moderately corrosive to unprotected concrete and metals but, in general, there is little difference in corrosion between the various chloride-based deicers, including rock salt (sodium chloride), magnesium chloride and calcium chloride. As with other chloride-based ice melters, over exposure to calcium chloride can harm lawns and other plants if deicer is over-applied or large quantities are directly applied to grass or other vegetation. However, magnesium chloride is considered to be safer for vegetation, plants, people, and pets. This means that it can easily be used around densely populated areas, without fear that people can be harmed by this product.
When comparing calcium chloride ice melt vs magnesium chloride, consider these three factors. Doing your research ensures that you pick the best ice melt for your snow removal company’s de-icing needs. To learn more about what product would work best for you and to get ice melt pricing, please contact us.