Are you looking to keep your driveway, sidewalk, or other road surfaces safe this winter? Snow plowing is only one step in a successful winter weather management plan. Ice removal is just as important and necessary to prevent dangerous conditions and unnecessary accidents. Read more to learn about the top 4 ice melt products offered by SISCU: Magnesium pellets and flakes and Calcium Chloride pellets and flakes.
The Best Ice Melt Products: Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is a hygroscopic salt that absorbs moisture from the air to lower the freezing point of water and effectively minimize ice production. One application of Magnesium Chloride can effectively reduce ice build-up for multiple winter storms. This product is efficient in temperatures as low as -13°F and is 26x less concrete spalling compared to competing chloride ice melts. With Magnesium Chloride, you don’t need to worry about the ground surface underneath being damaged by harsh chemicals. Additionally, there is minimal to no residue left behind by Magnesium Chloride. While it does contain a slightly lower concentration of chlorides compared to Calcium Chloride, this lower concentration makes it a more environmentally friendly product. In this way, Magnesium Chloride is less harmful to surrounding vegetation. It is also safer for animals, as Magnesium Chloride is less toxic and corrosive. If your road surfaces are near lots of plant and animal life, Magnesium Chloride is the product for you to protect the paws of animals as they walk over your road. Magnesium Chloride is available in both pellet and flake form.
Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride is another type of hygroscopic salt that also absorbs moisture from the air and can lower the freezing point of water to help prevent dangerous ice build-up. Similar to Magnesium Chloride, this product can withstand multiple snow storms and still effectively minimize ice production. Calcium Chloride has a higher concentration of chlorides, making it effective in temperatures as low as -25°F. Calcium Chloride is the better option if you reside in climates that experience extreme cold, as it can also penetrate ice 3x faster than competing products. Calcium Chloride is also available in both pellet and flake forms.
Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Pellets vs Flakes
Both Magnesium Chloride and Calcium Chloride are available in pellet and flake forms. Both are effective, but their different shapes provide slightly different results. Pellets are large and round and have a heat-generating reaction that ultimately melts ice. Their rounded shape allows for movement upon application, making them effective in being moved into small corners and hard-to-reach surfaces. Flakes differ in that they have a hard, flat shape which allows them to adhere to the ground surface upon application. Flakes cannot be easily moved, therefore application needs to be intentional and precise to not waste product.
How to Decide Which Product is Right For You
Ultimately, the best chloride ice melt solution for your road surfaces will depend on a number of factors. You will want to estimate how cold temperatures in your area get to determine if you will need the more extreme temperature effects of Calcium Chloride. You will also need to evaluate the type of traffic you get on your road and if people frequently walk their dogs or you experience wildlife crossings. In this case, the eco-friendly option of Magnesium Chloride may be a better choice for your situation. Additionally, you will need to decide if pellets or flakes are a better option for your ice melt solution. If you have a large surface area with tight corners, you may want to consider pellets, as they can be moved after application to be directed to necessary locations. If you are looking to treat smaller sidewalks or even staircases, the firm adherence of flakes may help you minimize product waste while preventing ice build-up.
How to Apply Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Pellets and Flakes
All chloride ice melt products are best applied with professional equipment such as a sprayer truck or handheld spreader. This ensures an even application to make sure you do not leave any ground surface unprotected. If you do not have access to professional equipment, you can hire a professional ice management company such as Rasevic to treat your roads with ice melt chloride products. If this is not an option either, Magnesium Chloride is the safest product to apply by hand, as it is less corrosive and less toxic compared to Calcium Chloride. Make sure you use the proper protective equipment and apply the chloride as evenly as possible, while also not wasting an excessive amount of product. Luckily, one application is effective for longer periods of time, saving you time and money no matter what.
How to Store All Chloride Products
If you are looking to get the most out of your ice melt product, you’ll want to make sure you properly store the leftover product so that you can use it next winter season as well. All opened products such be sealed as best as possible and be stored in a dry, temperature-controlled facility along with unopened products as well. You should avoid contact with humidity or sunlight, as these factors can cause a reaction in the chlorides and make them less effective at reducing ice. The best location to store ice melt products is in a warehouse or garage. If this is not possible for you, they can be stored outside underneath a waterproof tarp to protect them from weather elements. Properly storing your ice melt products is just another way to save both time and money as you reuse products for multiple winter seasons.
Get Your Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Pellets and Flakes at SISCU
If you are looking for the top-quality ice melt products, SISCU offers a wide range of all the products you could need for any winter storm. With Magnesium pellets, Magnesium Chloride flakes, Calcium Chloride pellets, Calcium Chloride flakes, and so many more, let SISCU evaluate your ice melt needs and recommend the most efficient product for your job! Fill out the form below to get a free quote for your ice melt needs this winter.