Try to imagine living in a cold climate without ice melt products. One would have to carefully consider every single step taken when outdoors. It would slow everyone down quite a bit. And even then, there’s a strong chance of slipping or falling.
Thankfully, we do live in a world with ice removal products. Without them, life in the winter months would be quite different.
What Is Ice Melt?
What Is Ice Melt?Ice melt products help to prevent slipping and falling caused by ice and hard-packed snow that builds up on outdoor surfaces like parking lots and sidewalks as well as outdoor work areas. Using a professional grade of ice melt product both before and after sleet and snow helps keep everyone safe.
Ice melt for snow and ice is effective because when it is sprinkled on walkways it:
- Prevents ice and snow from hardening
- Turns existing ice into a liquid slush
- Breaks the bond between ice and the walkway
The safest step is to put ice melt down immediately before snow or sleet starts falling. However, if you forget or miss an area, ice melt also works when you sprinkle it over ice and hard-packed snow that’s formed.
Many types of ice melt products are available, and we’re here to help you sort it out. These products are appropriate for sidewalks, driveways, steps, entryways, parking lots – even roofs!
What to Consider When Choosing an Ice Melt Product
Several factors influence what ice melt product you choose. There are many types of ice melt, and the most important considerations are:
- Temperature
- Area of application
- Length of time needed
Temperature
It’s important to choose an ice melt for snow and ice that has the appropriate lowest effective temperature. If you work in a climate that experiences extremely cold temperatures, make sure you pick a product that’s rated to be effective in sub-zero temperatures.
Area of Application
Ice melt products have varying levels of corrosiveness that can damage concrete and metal. These products can also damage bushes and grass and end up in nearby waterways.
Length of Time Needed
Check to see how long the ice melt product remains effective after it has been applied. Some products are made of a proprietary blend of compounds that increase the length of time they work.
These products might be more expensive, but they can end up costing less over time because you don’t have to apply ice melt as often.
Ice Removal Products and Their Characteristics
The following products have been proven to work well when used in the recommended climate and environment:
- Mr. Magic®
- MAG® Chloride Flakes
- Urea
- Peladow™
- Green Scapes™
Mr. Magic
The unusual orange color of the Mr. Magic pellets serves two purposes:
- It lets passersby know that ice melt has been applied.
- It lets you see where it has been applied so you don’t overuse it.
Mr. Magic is considered safe for concrete, brick, and decking. It’s also easier on the environment than many other products.
Mr. Magic works in cold weather as severe as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It melts snow and ice quickly and works for a longer period of time.
MAG Chloride Flakes
Flaked ice melt products work better in certain situations than pellets. They lay horizontally and don’t roll, so they work well on sloped surfaces. In areas with high winds, flakes are less likely to roll away than pellets.
MAG’s Chloride Flakes and Pellets work in cold weather as severe as -27 degrees Fahrenheit and are less corrosive to metal surfaces and create less concrete spalling than many other ice melt products.
Urea
Known as a moderately effective ice melter, Urea is safe to use around vegetation as long as it’s not over-applied.
Urea doesn’t contain any calcium chloride, which can be corrosive. Because of this, it’s used often on concrete that has rebar and around steel structures.
Urea works best in moderately cold temperatures down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
Peladow
PeladowMade into pellets that are 90% calcium chloride, Peladow works well in nearly all cold temperatures down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit. One of the reasons it’s popular is that it doesn’t leave behind a residue.
Peladow pellets work well because their perfectly round shape penetrates ice and snow faster than irregularly shaped pellets. You can spread the pellets using a regular pellet spreader.
Green Scapes
Like Mr. Magic, the Green Scapes ice melt product is tinted to prevent over-application. Its green tint emphasizes its reputation as an eco-friendly ice melter. It can melt snow and ice in temperatures down to -10 degrees Fahrenheit.
Green Scapes is a blend of ice-melting compounds, one of which is magnesium chloride. The other chemical is ice ban, which is a natural, corn-based product.
Helpful Ice Melt Accessories
In order to increase the efficiency of spreading your chosen ice melt product, these tools can help get the job done easier:
- Grain scoops—A scoop helps remove the ice melt from the bag or bucket more quickly and effectively than by hand. For small areas, you can use the grain scoop to scatter the pellets or flakes.
- Ice melt spreaders—A pellet spreader tool is invaluable for applying ice melt pellets and flakes rapidly and evenly. For smaller areas, a walk-behind spreader works. If you have large areas to cover, consider a commercial-grade spreader.
Prevent On-the-Job Winter Slips and Falls
Working a winter construction job site requires some foresight to keep workers and visitors safe outdoors. Make sure you consider your snow removal needs and stock up on ice melt in advance. Don’t forget to check out our other winter construction equipment and tools.
Check out our selection of resources, tools, and equipment to make sure your workers and jobsite are productive and safe during the winter season.
The Pro Group is happy to work with you, whichever way is easiest:
- Have a quick question? Give us a call or use our online Contact form.
- For quote on ice melt or other snow removal products, fill out our Request a Quote form.
- Want to stop by instead? Check out our four locations.
