If you live in the Mid-Atlantic climate and experience winter snowstorms, it is important to have a complete snow removal plan in place to deal with the aftermath of the winter weather. While snow plowing may seem to be the most important service, it is also important to have an ice management plan in place to prevent and reduce dangerous ice build-up. Icy roads can lead to increased car accidents and be a hazard for pedestrians. The best way to prevent ice is with the best two deicer products: Magnesium and Calcium Chloride. Read more to learn about these ice melt products and find out which is best for your winter weather management.
Different Types of Deicer Products
While there are many types of deicer products including Rock Salt, Liquid Brine, ComboBlends, Calcium Acetate, and Sodium Acetate, the most popular ice melt products are Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride. Both chlorides are very effective at reducing ice during winter storms, however, the products contain some subtle differences that may affect your product choice.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is a hygroscopic salt that absorbs moisture from the air and lowers the freezing point of water. This effectively prevents ice build-up during extreme winter weather. Magnesium Chloride is effective in temperatures as low as -13°F and is less corrosive to road surfaces compared to other ice melt products such as Rock Salt. It is important to note that while Magnesium Chloride may not be the most affordable deicer, it effectively protects the pavement from ice and damage, as cheaper options may prevent ice but they will damage your surface underneath. Magnesium Chloride is also a more eco-friendly option compared to other deicers, as its lower chloride concentration makes it less harmful to surrounding vegetation. Additionally, Magnesium Chloride is safer for animals and does not irritate the paws of cats and dogs who walk across treated surfaces. This product is available in both Magnesium Chloride pellet and Magnesium Chloride flake forms allowing a variety of application options.
Overall, Magnesium Chloride is a great option if you are looking for an effective ice melt product that is more eco-friendly in a region that does not experience extreme freezing conditions.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride is another type of hygroscopic salt that is also able to absorb moisture from the air to lower the freezing point of water and minimize ice build-up. Calcium Chloride has a higher chloride concentration than Magnesium Chloride, making the product more effective in one application compared to other ice melt solutions. Calcium Chloride is also effective in temperatures as low as -25°F, making it the better option if you live in a climate that experiences very cold temperatures. While Calcium Chloride is a stronger product and can prevent ice build-up more effectively after one application compared to Magnesium Chloride, the higher chloride concentration can lead to greater environmental effects and irritation for surrounding animals. Calcium Chloride is safe for use on pavement, as it does far less corrosive to concrete compared to a Rock Salt competitor. This product comes in many different forms, with the most popular being Calcium Chloride Peladow pellets and Dowflake flakes.
Calcium Chloride is the better product choice if you live in a very cold climate and want the product that is deemed the most effective at reducing ice.
Forms of Deicers: Flakes vs Pellets
Both Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride are available in multiple forms, including flakes and pellets. While both forms of each product are effective at minimizing ice production, their different properties provide varying effects. The flat, hard shape of both Magnesium and Calcium Chloride flakes allow them to adhere to pavement upon application. This means that the flake products will not move, and thus provides a very targeted and precise application. When using flakes, you can be sure that your product will be applied in the exact location you want it to. Magnesium and Calcium Chloride pellets have a round shape, which means they can move slightly upon application. Pellets can still provide a precise application, however, they can be moved around to reach even the tightest of corners if a direct application is difficult. This is helpful for small spaces if your equipment struggles to reach the outer corners, pellets can be glided along the pavement to allow for an even application.
How to Apply Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride Products
Both Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride are best applied by a professional to ensure an even application, as one application of either chloride product can be effective at minimizing ice build-up for multiple snowstorms. A professional ice management company will utilize both trucks and manual equipment depending on the road surface that needs treatment. For larger areas, such as parking lots, roadways, and parking garages, spreader and sprayer trucks will apply the chloride product over the entire area to ensure protection against ice. For smaller areas, such as sidewalks or outdoor steps, handheld spreaders will be used to reach tighter spaces while still providing an even application that does not leave any pavement exposed to ice.
While you can apply Magnesium and Calcium Chloride manually yourself, this is not recommended, as contact with skin can lead to irritation. If you do not have access to professional equipment, the application will take much longer and may require more product due to uneven application. This will end up costing more money and being less efficient, which is why a professional service is recommended. If you are interested in hiring a professional ice management company, click here to get a quote from Rasevic Companies about your next chloride treatment.
Get Magnesium or Calcium Chloride Deicer Products from SISCU
SISCU offers top-quality deicer products such as Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride to help you prevent dangerous ice build-up this winter. With the proper storage and application, these products can last for multiple winter seasons, and even be utilized in the warmer months to control dust! You can’t go wrong with chloride products from SISCU, so be sure to stock up today and be prepared for any weather that comes your way!
Contact us for any questions about ice melt products or shipping.