The freeze thaw cycle of ice and snow causes expansion and contraction within the crevasses thus impacting the integrity of the surface spencer says.
Ice melt that does not damage concrete.
This is a hygroscopic compound.
Most de icers for concrete are chloride combinations usually sodium rock salt or magnesium.
So it absorbs water and then generates heat as it dissolves up to 140 f.
Contrary to popular belief ice melt does not damage concrete but ice can.
Damaged or new concrete it is not recommend that ice melter be used on damaged concrete.
There has been concern that de icers can damage the concrete due to the chemicals that melt the ice.
In fact ice removal is sometimes required for rentals or public properties.
While opinions are not always the same most experts agree that calcium chloride is the best product for those seeking an ice melt that is safe for concrete.
Some materials such as brick are especially porous and should not be treated with ice melt.
Sealing your concrete can retard or delay the concrete deterioration and minimize the ugly pock marks on the concrete.
Safepaw is the solution.
Luckily there are different and safer solutions to help prevent slips and damage.
Common deicers do not contain chemicals that damage properly designed concrete used for exterior flatwork although a few fertilizers used for deicing or traction do.
Ice can be stuck and unable to scrape away with a shovel.
The common deicers that are generally safe to use on concrete are.
While potassium chloride is good for the environment it damages the concrete and typically costs 3 5 times more.
The solution is to find snow melt that doesn t damage concrete.
One of the tried and true safer alternatives to salting pavement is using a shovel.
It is best to reseal or treat your damaged concrete as mentioned earlier before using any ice melter on it.
It also needs to be something that really works and is tough on ice but not on your concrete surfaces.
Fertilizers contain ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate that can severely damage concrete.
Damaged concrete will absorb the water melted ice more readily since its seal has been broken and therefore can be more susceptible to damage.
Ice melt can make your winter safer and more manageable.
It offers a 100 salt free agent that is guaranteed to be safe to your pets children and others while still doing a number on ice and snow.
Good ice melt choices for concrete are calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.
Sometimes though this method is not effective enough to remove ice from pavement.
