Are you looking to invest in a new ice melt product, but aren’t sure which one is right for your job? Ice Melts are important to prevent icy road conditions during the cold winter months. There are a wide variety of options, each with a strength and weakness. Continue reading to learn about the different types of ice melts at SISCU, from Calcium Chloride to Magnesium Chloride, Rock Salt, and Liquid Brine, and decide which is the best ice melt.
Types of Products
Ice melts are products used to melt ice after it forms or before it accumulates. Typically, these products work by lowering the freezing point of water and they contain various concentrations of water, sodium chloride, Magnesium Chloride, and Calcium Chloride. There are both deicers and anti-icing products that work differently and should be applied at different points in a storm. A deicer is applied to pavement after a storm has occurred and there is ice on the ground. An anti-icing product is applied as a pretreatment to the pavement before it snows to form a bond that will prevent snow and ice from sticking to the surface. Anti-icing can actually make snow plowing and relocation easier because the snow will lift much faster and with less effort. Both treatments are effective and the choice to use either anti-icing or de-icing will come from a professional consultation with a snow removal company to determine the right conditions. Utilizing an ice melt is important to prevent unnecessary accidents and injuries caused by icy road conditions.
Best Bulk Ice Melt: Rock Salt
The best ice melt to buy in bulk at the most affordable rate is Rock Salt. Rock Salt is the most common ice melt seen on road surfaces due to its accessible nature and low cost. Rock Salt is nearly 100% Sodium Chloride, which allows it to melt large quantities of snow and ice. This product is effective in temperatures above 15°F. While Rock Salt does lower the freezing point of water to melt ice fast, it can be damaging to pavement, highways, and driveways which can lead to additional road maintenance issues and costs.
Best Eco-Friendly Ice Melt: Magnesium Chloride
The best eco-friendly ice melt product is Magnesium Chloride. Magnesium Chloride has a lower chloride concentration compared to Calcium Chloride, and this allows the product to be less harmful to the surrounding environment. There is always a risk that ice melt chemicals will come in contact with nearby plants and animals, and choosing an eco-friendly option is the best way to avoid these negative consequences. Environmental effects are especially important if you are treating an area that is a frequent path for dog walkers, as other ice melts besides Magnesium Chloride can be irritating to their paws and lead to upset stomachs if ingested. Magnesium Chloride is the best combination of effectiveness and safety to plants and animals and it is effective in cold temperatures as low as -13°F. Magnesium Chloride also won’t damage your roads or pavement after application so it is safe for residential, commercial, and government facilities.
Most Effective Ice Melt: Calcium Chloride
The most effective ice melt is Calcium Chloride. Calcium Chloride can melt ice the most effectively with the least amount of product required. This is due to the high chloride concentrations the product contains. Calcium Chloride pellets contain 90% calcium chloride, while flakes contain 83-87%. Pellets have a rounder shape that causes them to move around after application. This is generally suited for larger surface area treatments. Flakes have a flatter shape that allows them to bond to the surface upon application. This quality generally benefits greater precision for smaller surface areas. Both forms are very effective at lowering the freezing point of water and melting ice. Calcium Chloride is effective in temperatures as low as -25°F and won’t damage the pavement upon application. Calcium Chloride can be damaging to surrounding plants and animals as a downside to its strength.
Best Anti-Icing Product: Liquid Brine
The best anti-icing product is Liquid Brine. Liquid Brine is applied as a pre-treatment to roads before a storm to help prevent snow and ice from adhering to the road surface. Pretreatments help to make clean-up after a storm easier and more efficient for snow removal teams because plows will be able to clear away roads that have been treated with an anti-icing agent much faster. Roads that have been treated before a storm are safe to drive on by regular travelers, eliminating any service delays. This can ultimately save you time and money and allows a professional snow removal crew to clear multiple areas in less time. Liquid Brine is only effective at preventing ice from forming in the right combination of conditions including road conditions, humidity, and weather forecast, so it is important to consult a professional on whether or not Liquid Brine anti-icing would be an effective product for your property.
Get the Best Ice Melt Products at SISCU
You can find all of these products and more at SISCU. SISCU offers the top quality ice melt products to ensure your roads are safe this winter. Whether you are looking for the most affordable ice melt, the most environmentally friendly, or the strongest, SISCU has a product for every priority. Fill out the form below to receive a free quote on your next order and keep your roads protected this winter.