Exploring the common de-icing materials

road de-icing pretreatment

When it comes to snow and ice removal, you can find how different de-icing materials are being used. It is quite important to stick to the best de-icing materials depending on the needs. That’s because there is no single de-icing material that can deliver positive results in all possible scenarios. Continue to read and you will be able to learn more about the common de-icing materials. On top of that, you can enhance your knowledge on how to pick the most appropriate de-icing material to be used as well.

What are the most common de-icing materials?

There are seven basic chemicals that are being used as common de-icing materials. Below is a list of those chemicals.

  • Magnesium chloride
  • Calcium chloride
  • Sodium chloride, which is also known as rock salt
  • Liquids (these are mostly organic liquids)
  • A variety of calcium blends
  • Potassium acetate
  • Calcium magnesium acetate or CMA

As you purchase these de-icing materials, you will be able to get additional information on how to use them from the supplier. They can further assist you with determining whether the de-icing solution is something that can cater to your needs or not. No matter what, you need to ensure that you are using the most appropriate de-icing material. We will be sharing a few tips on how to select such material down below.

Factors to consider when selecting the best de-icing material

Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors to consider when you are purchasing de-icing material. These tips can make you end up with the most appropriate products on the very first attempt.

Melting Temperature

The specific chemicals that you can find within the de-icing solution would determine how it can support the ice-melting process. In fact, the melting temperature of these chemicals refers to the lowest possible temperature where they can assist with melting ice. This can vary from one de-icing solution to another.
For example, calcium chloride is capable of melting ice at a temperature of around 25 F. However, sodium chloride will only be able to melt ice at a temperature of around 5 F. Depending on the temperature of the ice, you will need to pick the most appropriate de-icing material. This will help you to save both time as well as money.

Environment that you are going to use it

The next most important thing you should consider is the environment where you are planning to use the de-icing material. It is not possible for you to make a decision on how hot the de-icer is. Instead, you will need to check and see the effect that it creates on the environment. If the de-icing solution is creating significant damage to the environment, you will need to refrain from using it.

For example, rock salt is known to create damage to the surroundings. If there is grass, you should not be using sodium chloride or rock salt. This is where you may think about using magnesium chloride, which is a gentler solution.

Availability of the de-icing material

You must also check and see the availability of the de-icing material before you can start using it. It is a good idea to stick to a de-icing material that is readily available for you to use. This is where rock salt or sodium chloride would come into play. It is one of the most commonly available de-icing solutions.
Some of the ice melt solutions would not be available in the local stores, depending on where you live. As a result, you will have to travel out of your town to get them. If you don’t want to go through all this trouble, you should be sticking to a de-icing material that you can easily find in your home.

Size of the de-icing material

Some de-icing materials can be fine, whereas others are coarse. This is the main reason why you should be taking a look at the size of the de-icing material as well. If the de-icing material comes with larger particles, it can be heavy. When such a material is melting, it can sink into deep layers of now. Moreover, you will be able to see residue left behind on the pavement. However, lighter, and finer de-icing materials are not so heavy, and you will be able to use them to cover up a bigger area with ease.

Quality of the de-icing material

Similar to the size, you should also be taking a look at the quality of the de-icing material. Some of the large-scale municipality contractors are using large amounts of ice melt. This is where they prefer to stick to rock salt, as it can help them with keeping their expenses low. However, it is not the most quality de-icing material that you can use. That’s because rock salt can result in leftovers. You will also end up causing problems with the moving parts of the spreader. This is where you should do some background research and stick to the highest quality de-icing materials at all times.

The ice melt spreader you are using

You should be purchasing appropriate de-icing materials depending on the type of spreader that you are using as well. The spreader is made out of numerous moving parts. You need to make sure that the de-icing material is something that you can use with the spreader. If you can go through the instruction manual that comes with the spreader, you will be able to get a better idea about the nature of de-icing materials that you can use on it.

Ice Melt Price

Last but not least, you should be taking a look at the price. The hotter chemicals are offering better quality, but you will have to spend more money on them. You should stick to a de-icing material that offers the most value for the amount you spend.

Now you know how to pick the most appropriate de-icing materials available out there. Stick to this guide, and you will never end up with any regrets about your purchase. Looking for a quote on ice melt? We’re open 24/7 for pick-up in Maryland or delivery nationwide. Contact us for a quote!