The Inside Scoop on Melting Agents

Welcome to winter.

We've already had that first snow storm of the season followed by a blast of freezing temperatures. Nobody wants to be "that guy" that didn't shovel or de-ice their sidewalk but what's the difference between rock salt and other de-icers? Morrison's has put together a primer that will tell you what melting agents are plant-safe, kid-safe and how to keep your walkways safe for everyone.

Rock Salt is sodium chloride and is a mined mineral with some impurities. It is a hard crystal that has some traction qualities to it. It is also the least expensive per lb. The down side to the material is more has to be applied per square foot than other materials and just as ocean water freezes, this material fails to work at lower temperatures. When temperatures are below 20 degrees it really doesn't perform well. Another downside to it is that it is corrosive to metal. It is also toxic to grass and plants and with excessive use it will render a soil to be sterile to plant life.

Calcium Chloride has the lowest melting point being -59 degrees. When it comes in contact with ice it immediately heats up melting the ice or snow. It is more toxic than rock salt and has a high available chloride content similar to rock salt. It is the fastest acting of all the ice melting agents. The white bead can beak down with water and leave a slimy coating if put down too heavy.

Magnesium Chloride will melt down to -15 degrees. It is less toxic than baking soda and has a chloride content approx. 50% of rock salt. It is much kinder to the environment and safer to use around kids and pets. It is also used as a dust controlling agent in horse arenas.

Potassium Chloride melts ice down to +12 degrees and is used in the fertilizer industry as marinate of potash. It is a hard mined crystal and has some traction quality. It is not as corrosive as calcium chloride or rock salt. It is used by plants as a nutrient and will not harm plants if not over applied.

Urea is a nitrogen fertilizer. It is used by airports as an ice melter because it will not corrode expensive aircraft. It has no chlorides and melts down to 15 degrees. It is considered safe to use around pets and children.

PRODUCTS WE CARRY:

Greenscapes is a blend of potassium, sodium, magnesium chloride with corrosion inhibitor, turf mark green liquid and ice ban. Safest on concrete.
Works to -10°.

Road Runner is a blend of calcium, potassium, and sodium chloride.
Works to -15°.

Calcium Chloride Pellet is best on asphalt. It is very corrosive.
Works to -20°.

Calcium Chloride Flake is usually mixed with sand. For commercial use.

Fast Melt is a blend of urea, potassium, and sodium chloride.
Works to 5°.

Halite (Rock Salt) is rock salt that comes in 25lb and 50lb. bags for use in areas where run off is not a concern and the temperatures are warmer. It is most affordable but very corrosive.
Works to 20°.

Safe Pet is a salt-free product that is safe for children and pets.
Works to -2°.

Magnesium Chloride Flake is used to control dust and hold footing in riding rings. It is safe on concrete.
Works to 5°.

Magnesium Chloride Pellet is less corrosive than calcium or halite.

Safe Paws

Polar Express is a blend of sodium chloride, propylene glycol, and calcium magnesium acetate. Safe on concrete and vegetation.
Works to 0°.

Check our pricing here.

Scaling of concrete is a major concern for property owners. It occurs from rapid heating and cooling of cement. It is more likely to occur with calcium chloride and sodium chloride. It usually is a concern when ice melting products are overly applied or unevenly applied. It is alway is best to follow directions and use a spreader.

For those of you who can't get enough of this subject (and we know you're out there) visit Peters Chemical Company for the the final word on ice melters.