If you operate or work at a snow plow company, you will need to be equipped with the right ice melt products to cater to your customer needs during the winter season. However, this can be quite challenging as you may discover multiple options in the market. That’s why we thought of reviewing the most prominent ice melt solutions available out there in detail so that you can proceed with the right option.
Sodium Acetate Ice Melt
If you are looking for an environmentally friendly ice melt solution, Sodium Acetate is a great option to try. It doesn’t come with chloride and is not salt-based. Sodium Acetate can deliver a long residual effect as an ice melt as well. The lowest melting point associated with Sodium Acetate would be 0 degrees F. However, it is the most expensive ice melt product available out there.
Urea Ice Melt
Urea is pretty much similar to Sodium Acetate, as it doesn’t contain chlorides. Due to the same reason, you may think about using it to minimize the negative impact created on the environment and metals. The primary component that you can find inside would be Nitrogen. This can act as a fertilizer to plants as well. However, you should be careful not to use Urea excessively, as it could burn plants.
Even though Urea is not as expensive as Sodium Acetate, you will still have to spend a considerable amount of money on it. The lowest melting point of Urea is 25 degrees F. Due to these reasons; Urea is not being used as a standalone ice melt product as of now.
Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
You can call Calcium Chloride the most effective ice-melting solution available for lower temperatures. It is hygroscopic and exothermic. As a result, you can expect Calcium Chloride to provide quick results. Due to its effectiveness, Calcium Chloride is popularly being used as an ice-melting solution. The lowest melting point of Calcium Chloride is -25 degrees F.
However, Calcium Chloride can be quite expensive when compared to other commonly available ice melt products such as rock salt. Moreover, you need to understand that Calcium Chloride can be corrosive and harsh on numerous surfaces. It is not the healthiest option available for the environment or human skin.
Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt
The exothermic properties of Magnesium Chloride make it an excellent ice-melting product as well. The lowest melting point associated with Magnesium Chloride is -15 degrees F. It can also deliver faster results because of its ability to attract water. When compared to Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride is slightly plant-friendly. However, you should also keep in mind that it is not a 100% environmentally friendly ice melt solution available for you to consider.
Ice Melt Blends
Ice Melt Blends usually provide a combination of sodium chloride. It can also be a pure form of rock salt. Since this is an expensive ice melt solution available, you should think twice before you start using Ice Melt Blends.
One of the most common ice melt blends includes a combination of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. This will deliver quick and long-lasting results to you, along with a reduced melting point. On the other hand, such blends can help you with minimizing the expenses that you have to bear as well.
Sodium Chloride Ice Melt
Sodium Chloride is widely known as solar salt or rock salt. Even though both solar salt and rock salt have the same chemical composition, they are manufactured through two different techniques. Rock salt is obtained directly from mines. However, solar salt is made through an evaporation process, which helps with enhancing its purity.
No matter what, Sodium Chloride is a cheaper ice melt solution available for you to consider. It is also an excellent option available for individuals who are concerned about environmental friendliness. Due to its endothermic properties, Sodium Chloride can be less effective in colder temperatures. You should also keep in mind that Sodium Chloride can be corrosive, and it would leave behind a powdery and white residue.
How to find the best ice-melting solution?
Now you have a clear idea about the different ice melt solutions available. How can you pick the best one out of them? Here are some factors that you can use to determine what the best option is.
- Lower melting point
If you want to get better results, you may think about using an ice melt solution with a lower melting point. Some of the ice melt solutions will work only at 25 degrees F whereas others would work at -25 degrees F. Depending on the temperature, you should be careful to pick the right ice melt solution. For example, you may think about using an exothermic ice melt solution under extremely cold temperatures, so that it will release more heat and deliver better results.
- Residual ice-melting action
Out of the ice melt solutions we shared, some would work for an extended period of time when compared to others. If the ice melt solution doesn’t last long, you will have to continue applying it over and over again. However, ice melt products that last long are quite expensive. This is where you need to consider the long-term cost and decide what the right ice melt solution is.
- Environmental impact of ice melt
You need to take a look at the environmental impact and pick an ice melt solution as well. This is where you should take a look at the impact created on animals, plants, and waterways. To learn more about it, you can understand the effects that deicing chemicals can create on groundwater, vegetation, and soil.
- Ice melt price
Last but not least, you should take a look at the cost as well. It’s more than the cost per unit, it’s about the amount of product needed to effectively melt ice on different surfaces in different temperatures. However, the overall cost would vary based on the ingredients and manufacturer.
Ice Melt Supplier Pricing
If you are looking for the best ice melt products from a leading supplier, contact Snow & Ice Salt & Chemicals Unlimited today! We are open 24/7 before, during and after the storm for ice melt and snow tool products. Pick up products at one of our locations in Ijamsville or Silver Spring, Maryland. If you are not in the area, we can deliver to you anywhere in the United States. Contact us to get a quote today!