9 Best Ice Melt for Concrete to Protect Your Walkways and Driveways
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Winter is here, and that means icy roads and walkways. As you may already know, its grip can wreak havoc on concrete surfaces, resulting in a trail of cracks and deterioration. While many ice melt treatments claim to be effective, not all are gentle on concrete. Explore the best ice melt for concrete, the environment, your pets and your family.
Why Do Some Ice Melts Cause Damage to Concrete?
Ice melts contain chemicals like sodium chloride, magnesium chloride or calcium chloride that can penetrate the concrete — especially a porous one — leading to a chemical phase called calcium oxychloride that can weaken the concrete over time. The freeze-thaw cycle can cause spalling, which happens when the mixture freezes inside the concrete. This will cause the concrete to flake, crack and peel.
Spalling is not only an aesthetic problem but can also compromise the structural integrity of driveways and walkways. Certain ice melts, particularly those containing gravel or sand, can be abrasive.
9 Best Ice Melt for Concrete
Fortunately, many products in the market can help lessen the risk of damage to concrete. Winter is here, so stock up on the following best ice melts:
1. National Blue Ice Melt
National Blue’s ice melter is a crowd favorite due to its fast melting properties. It has an anti-caking agent and 10% calcium chloride that melts effectively without the risk of damaging your concrete. Use it in your backyard, walkways and driveways without the fear of hurting your plants, pets and children.
2. ECO-ST Starfish Ice Melt
The ECO-ST is a concrete-safe, corrosion-free ice melt that helps keep your sidewalks and driveways safe and ice-free. It contains a specialized bead-type coating that helps protect concrete and your pet’s paws, providing you peace of mind for the whole winter season.
This product contains starfish extracts from marine waste to combat destructive deicing practices. In case you didn’t know, deicing may promote human and pet safety during winter, but can cause harm to the environment. High amounts of chloride in the environment can affect oxygen levels and pollute waterways, causing damage to aquatic life. Using this product means doing your part in protecting the planet.
3. Organic Premium Ice Melt
This organic ice melt claims to be fast-acting, long-lasting and pet-friendly — everything you might need to ensure a safe environment for you, your family and your furry companion. It’s safe to use on asphalt, pavers, lawns, gardens and stones. The finer granules help speed up the melting process, reducing the amount of ice melt you need.
Pro tip: Scatter this before it snows to enjoy a clear walkway.
4. FIREKI Ice Melt
FIREKI’s product is one of the best ice melts because it’s made of pure magnesium chloride and doesn’t contain other additives that may potentially damage your concrete. It’s curated to withstand winters down to -35 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal choice if you live in a snowy state like Alaska. Apply it on your sidewalks and driveway at the beginning of snowfall for best results.
5. Natural Rapport Ice Melt
Natural Rapport’s ice melt claims to reduce corrosion rates by 75%. The company mainly markets the item as a pet-friendly product, making it ideal if you have plenty of furry friends roaming in and out of your house. Aside from concrete, it’s also safe for tiles and carpets, and less harmful to trees and other vegetation. The ice melt’s effect lasts longer, minimizing the need for reicing.
6. Blue Heat Ice Melt
If you’re looking for a quick solution to mounting ice, this is the ideal solution. This snow and ice melter doesn’t harm your concrete, home, pets, carpets, rugs or kitchen floors. It immediately works its magic once in contact with snow and is effective for temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit. The blue color makes it easy to spot where the product has already been distributed to prevent excessive deicing.
7. AquaDoc Ice Melt
This 10-pound ice melt is safe for sidewalks, driveways, walkways, patios, stairs and other outside surfaces. Its fast-acting effect effectively melts ice and snow, keeping you and your family safe this winter. It contains calcium chloride that’s safe for asphalt, brick and concrete. Spread the ice melt evenly on the affected area, allow it to work its magic and shovel away the melted ice.
8. Paw Protector Ice Melt
This ice melt protects your pet’s paws from harm. It also keeps your walkways and driveways free from snow and ice, keeping your whole family safe this chilly winter. The deicers are purposely made colorful to avoid excessive use.
9. REDMOND Ice SlicerÂ
The REDMOND ice melt is free of urea, dye and polymer, making it safe for animals and humans. The contents were harvested from an ancient sea deposit containing complex chlorides and trace minerals that help melt snow without affecting your concrete and the environment. As with any ice melt products, you should wait at least one year before applying ice melt treatments to newly poured concrete.
Why Use These Products and Not Salt?
Salt is an affordable ice-melting product, but it has risks. Salt breaks up when it comes in contact with snow — it forms hydronium ions, which can significantly lower the pH level of roadways and affect roadways and cars. Moreover, salt can harm the paw pads of your pets and may cause inflammation or burns.
To apply ice melt, layer the contents. Lay down a thin layer before it snows and another one when it snows. This makes it easier to shovel and clear away the ice and snow. Remember to put the snow, salt and ice in the trash to avoid accidents. Use a snow blower to help clear the path.
Shop for The Best Ice Melt for Concrete Today
Your ice melt treatment can significantly impact the longevity of your driveways and walkways. Just because salt is practical doesn’t mean you should use it daily. By prioritizing treatments that are safe for your concrete, pets and the environment, you can reduce the risk of accidents and pollution.
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About The Author
Peter is the editorial assistant for Renovated. Beyond that, he’s a small-time landlord who learned real estate and property maintenance from scratch. When Peter has down time, you won’t find him, because he’ll be out on a hike.
