We often see how people use magnesium chloride flakes as a deicer or ice melt solution in the winter. That’s mainly because they are a low-impact solution for melting ice. However, there are year-round uses for Magnesium Chloride Flakes as well. Let’s take a deep dive and explore all the benefits that magnesium chloride flakes can offer and different application options.
What exactly is magnesium chloride?
Magnesium chloride is a naturally occurring substance that includes 34% chlorides and 18% magnesium in commercial grade. It can be extracted from brine or seawater. In North America, it is usually produced from Great Salt Lake brine in Utah. In other parts of the world like the Jordan Valley, it is obtained from the Dead Sea in Israel. Magnesium chloride is available in a wide variety of physical sizes and shapes. Liquid, pastilles, pellets, or flakes are all possible forms. Compared to other ice melt agents, magnesium chloride does have a minimal environmental effect and is gentle on the majority of surfaces and flora.
Magnesium chloride is a substance that is widely used because it consistently melts ice and snow. There aren’t many chemicals that can melt ice while still being harmless to the environment, plants, and animals. Apart from melting, it hinders ice from adhering to surfaces, improving the effectiveness of sanding roadways.
What are magnesium chloride flakes?
Mag flakes are produced from magnesium chloride and flattened and crushed into a flake form. Flakes work well when applied to hard surfaces because they lay flat and don’t roll around. Basically, they sit where they are spread and start working quickly due to their thin shape. When compared to calcium chloride and potassium chloride, mag flakes cause considerably less chloride pollution and runoff. Mag flakes work best when used with other dry items that can handle snow and ice, such as rock sand, salt, and other abrasives. The flakes are perfect for combining into a solution that resembles brine as well.
Flakes of magnesium chloride are often more affordable than pellets when compared side by side. If, however, you must distribute plain magnesium chloride over the ground, you should do it using pellets. To melt ice and snow, many individuals choose to use a combination of rock salt and magnesium chloride.
Use magnesium chloride flakes as much as possible in front of building doors since they won’t roll away. You may be able to utilize magnesium chloride for further than one occasion, depending on the quantity you use and the weather’s intensity.
How is Magnesium Chloride Used?
There are some prominent uses associated with magnesium chloride. Here is a quick overview of the key benefits that you will be able to get.
- It is a great anti-icing solution
In the western regions of the United States, throughout the spring and early summer, magnesium chloride is often applied on unpaved roads as a dust-suppressing agent. Similar to this, magnesium chloride is often used in the winter to deice and de-ice asphalt roadways.
- You can use it for dust control
Due to its capacity to absorb moisture from humid air and its hygroscopic and deliquescent properties, magnesium chloride is often employed as a dust management agent. By keeping the road surface wet enough to keep the dust granules down and reducing blow-off as fugitive dust, this soaked moisture helps control dust.
Magnesium chloride is utilized in quite large amounts in the Western United States due in large part to the locality of the source. Magnesium chloride is mostly obtained from the Great Salt Lake of Utah’s saline waters.
- It can be useful for pre-treating surfaces before a winter storm
You will be able to use magnesium chloride to assist salt to stick to the surface of the road. This is where you may think about using a combination of salt and magnesium chloride when you want to get rid of ice and snow on the roads. It delivers long-lasting effects.
- It can help you with replacing plant nutrients
It is true that too much magnesium chloride can be harmful to plants. However, the right amount can help you to provide the nutrients needed for plant growth. You will be able to overcome magnesium deficiencies in plants by adding a small amount of magnesium chloride.
How do magnesium chloride flakes work?
When the mag flakes are spread out, they rapidly absorb moisture and turn into brine. If applied to roads, for example, the brine will melt ice as a consequence or make snow removal considerably more simple. Without having any adverse environmental impacts, these flakes dissolve ice at the same rate as calcium chloride ice melt. Additionally, there is little to no residue, which makes cleaning after bad weather a snap.
Mag flakes are thought to be highly effective as a deicer since they efficiently melt ice at -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
What are the benefits of magnesium chloride flakes?
- They work quite slowly
Many conventional ice melts include harsh chemicals that, when applied excessively or improperly, damage pavements. But at the other hand, magnesium chloride is renowned for its kinder qualities and seldom ever harms the environment or plants.
- They cause very little damage
As long as it is used according to instructions, magnesium chloride is generally believed to be less damaging to its surroundings. This is a result of the mineral’s natural occurrence and well-known reputation for being ecologically beneficial. The surface portions will sustain little harm as the ice gently melts. It is often used upon natural stones like bluestone sidewalks, tile entrances, and granite stairs because of its safety since it won’t harm them.
- Leaves behind less residue
Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride both melt the ice at the same pace, but magnesium chloride does so with far less residue, which speeds up and simplifies cleaning. Magnesium chloride will readily dissolve into a solution and start to melt the ice.
- Functions in subfreezing conditions
Magnesium chloride may be used by property owners in -5 degrees Fahrenheit temperatures. At this temperature, other conventional de-icers are unable to melt ice.
If you have any questions or you would like to learn about pricing or shipping options for Magnesium Chloride Flakes, please contact us. SnowIceSalt.com is open 24/7 before, during and after the storm! You can pick up products in person or we can ship anywhere in the United States.