It is important to be prepared for dangerous winter weather storms by having effective deicers on hand for those surprise storms or blizzards. There are many different types of deicers, including Magnesium Chlorides, Calcium Chlorides, De-icing blends, and rock salt solutions. While each ice melt is effective, different products are better suited for various weather and road conditions. Read more to learn about each deicer to decide which ice melt solution is right for your winter weather needs.
Deicers: Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is a hygroscopic salt that prevents dangerous ice build up by lowering the freezing point of water. This process slows the formation of ice, as water is not able to freeze as efficiently at freezing point. The concentration of chlorides in this product makes it one of the most efficient at minimizing ice build up, as one application can last for weeks at a time. Less application allows you to save money and have available product for a long winter season. Another advantage of Magnesium Chloride is that it is the most eco-friendly ice melt product, as it is less harmful on surrounding vegetation. There are two types of Magnesium Chloride products: flakes and pellets. Both the flakes and pellets are effective in temperatures up to -13°F, making them a good choice for colder climates. Magnesium Chloride is also 26x less concrete spalling compared to other ice melt products. Magnesium Chloride flakes have a large flat shape, allowing them to stick to the surface they are applied to-resulting in less product waste with more precise application. You can find both Magnesium Chloride pellets and flakes at SISCU to help prevent dangerous ice build up this winter.
Buy Magnesium Chloride Pellets Buy Magnesium Chloride FlakesDeicers: Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride is another type of hygroscopic salt capable of lowering the freezing point of water to slow ice production. Calcium Chloride has a very high chloride concentration, with pellets usually containing 90% calcium chloride and flakes containing 83-87% calcium chloride. This high concentration makes the product very effective, but it can also be more damaging to surrounding plant and animal life. Both Calcium Chloride pellets and flakes are effective in temperatures as low as -25°F, making them the choice for the coldest of climates. In the same way as Magnesium Chloride, the shape of Calcium Chloride flakes also allow them to adhere to any road surface securely to prevent ice build up. While Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride contain subtle differences in their chemical makeup, both chlorides are seen as the leading ice melt solution due to their strong deicing capabilities after only a single application. Check out the Calcium Chloride products SISCU offers below!
Buy Calcium Chloride Pellets Buy Calcium Chloride FlakesDe-Icer Blends
SISCU offers Hot Melt, a de-icing blend that consists of 80% sodium chloride and 20% magnesium chloride. Hot Melt offers residual effects, and is efficient at preventing ice build up on sidewalks and driveways during winter storms. Its bright pink color makes application easier, as the color stands out and allows the applicator to see where product has already been applied. Hot Melt is a good choice if you do not live in extreme cold temperatures and are looking for an affordable deicer for small surface areas. Check out Hot Melt De-Icing Blend below!
Buy Hot MeltRock Salt
Rock salt is the most common deicer, as it is easily accessible and the most affordable option. It contains almost 100% sodium chloride and can melt large piles of ice and snow easily. Rock Salt is only effective in temperatures above 15°F, meaning it may not be the right choice for your job if you live in a colder climate. While Rock Salt acts very fast, it can damage concrete and any other road surface beneath sheets of ice. Rock Salt is the ideal choice if you are looking for a fast and cheap solution on a road surface that may already be damaged.
Buy Rock SaltGet the Best Quality Deicers from SISCU
No matter what ice melt solution you choose, make sure that your products are premium quality so they will last you throughout the entire winter season. SISCU offers premium quality ice melt solutions to keep roadways safe during any weather condition. Fill out the form below to get a quote for your next job this winter season!