Calcium Chloride is best known for being an ice melt product, capable of protecting your ground surface from dangerous ice build-up during the winter months. It is a hygroscopic salt, meaning it can lower the freezing point of water, and thus reduce ice production. Calcium Chloride is available in both pellet and flake form, with both being an effective method of ice prevention. Round Calcium Chloride pellets are mobile upon application, allowing them to be spread far and into tight corners for an easier application process in large parking lots or irregular parking garages. The most popular type of Calcium Chloride pellets is Peladow. These pellets contain 90% Calcium Chloride, meaning they are the most effective product at minimizing ice build-up compared to other competitors. The hard, flat shape of Calcium Chloride flakes makes them adhere to the ground surface upon application, which allows for more precise treatment. Flakes need to be applied directly to the area you would like to treat, as they are not easily mobile, to prevent product waste. The most popular type of Calcium Chloride flakes is Dowflake, and they contain between 83-87% Calcium Chloride, allowing them to still be a very effective option against ice. Both flakes and pellets do not damage the pavement or concrete underneath the product, keeping your driveway, road, or other surface protected from unwanted damage.
Alternatives to Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
If you are looking for an alternative ice melt product that will still effectively prevent ice at a slightly lower price point, Magnesium Chloride is a great choice. Magnesium Chloride is another type of hygroscopic salt that can also lower the freezing temperature of water by absorbing moisture from the air. Magnesium Chloride products also come in both pellet and flake form and have lower chloride concentrations compared to Calcium Chloride. While this does mean more product is necessary to achieve the same ice prevention effectiveness, Magnesium Chloride is a more eco-friendly option, as it is less toxic and harmful to the environment. If your roads or pavement surfaces are close to vegetation or receive heavy animal traffic, Magnesium Chloride is a better product to protect their safety while still maintaining your safety and melting dangerous ice build-up.
How to Apply Calcium Chloride
Calcium Chloride is best applied to your road surface with professional equipment such as a sprayer truck or handheld spreader. This ensures a precise and even application of the product and lowers the risk of missing an area or wasting your time and money. If you do not have access to professional equipment, it is recommended to hire a professional ice management company such as Rasevic Companies or utilize an alternative product such as Magnesium Chloride that is less toxic and irritating to the skin. Proper protection equipment should be worn and you should also avoid applying an excess of product that could run into surrounding vegetation and cause harm. If you have any handheld spreader equipment that is normally used for fertilizer or other landscaping materials, this can also be used in the winter to apply ice melt, as the products are similar in size and the method of application is the same.
Other Uses for Calcium Chloride: Dust Suppressant
Did you know that you can use your excess Calcium Chloride products to serve as dust suppressants in the warmer months? The hygroscopic properties of this chloride allow it to absorb moisture from the air and prevent dust by keeping the ground surface damp. Dust is formed as loose soil and dirt particles escape into the air, so Calcium Chloride is able to minimize this process by keeping dirt, gravel, and other unpaved surfaces damp for extended periods of time. Calcium Chloride is much more effective compared to alternative methods of keeping the ground surface damp with water or reducing vehicle traffic and speed over the affected area. One application of Calcium Chloride will leave you dust-free for weeks on end in the summer, just as it keeps you ice-free in the winter.
How to Store Calcium Chloride Ice Melt Products
If you want to be able to take advantage of your leftover Calcium Chloride products, you need to be sure you properly store your excess products to preserve their effectiveness. Chloride products are best stored in a temperature-controlled environment such as a warehouse, shed, or garage that is not exposed to heat or humidity. If you do not have access to this storage, try to minimize your Calcium Chloride products’ contact with direct sunlight, as this can activate a reaction before you intend to, making the product less effective at reducing ice or dust. You don’t want your Calcium Chloride to have a reaction until you have applied it to your ground surface. If you opt for outdoor storage of your product, you’ll want to ensure it is covered with a waterproof and weatherproof tarp for optimal results. For a more comprehensive outline of how to best store Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride products and some helpful tips, check out this article.
Why You Should Choose Calcium Chloride Ice Melt This Winter
Calcium Chloride is the most effective ice melt product and can melt ice in temperatures as low as -25°F, meaning the product can withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, one application of Calcium Chloride can keep your road surface protected from multiple snowstorms, saving you time and money this winter. If you have leftover products, you can utilize the excess to prevent dust in the warmer months. Calcium Chloride also comes in multiple forms and is easy to store in your garage when not in use.
Get Calcium Chloride Ice Melt at SISCU
If you are looking for the best ice melt products this winter, SISCU has a wide range of any chloride product you could need from Calcium Chloride pellets to Magnesium Chloride flakes and everything in between. Check out the complete product list here, and fill out the form below to get your free quote today and stay protected against ice this winter!