ALL ABOUT DE-ICERS
Winter weather conditions in Ontario can cause icy roads and sidewalks which can be dangerous. Deicers are a great solution to this problem. A deicer is a substance that helps to prevent the formation of ice by lowering the freezing point of water. These ice melting salts can be used on driveways, sidewalks, and all other surfaces where there is a possibility of ice formation. De-icing could make your winter season easy and bearable but there is a difference between de-icing and anti-icing. De-icing is the process of removal of snow, ice, frost, etc., from a surface and includes both mechanical and chemical methods whereas anti-icing is the pre-treatment of a surface (roadway, sidewalk, etc.) with ice melting chemicals to prevent the formation of ice.
There are five basic ice melters:
Calcium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride
Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)
Potassium Chloride
Urea
All the chlorides occur naturally whereas Urea is a chemical that is manufactured and also used as a fertilizer. Sodium chloride, Potassium chloride, and Urea have to come in direct contact with moisture before they start melting ice. On the other hand, Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride attract moisture by themselves to begin the melting process.
EFFECTS OF DE-ICERS
Concrete: Concrete could lose its original form due to continuous freezing and expansion but deicers do not chemically affect concrete. Concrete has small microprobes that the water penetrates and with time concrete loses its original strength. Applying snow salt in moderate amounts can help keep the surface healthy.
Vegetation: Deicers are combined of various chemicals which can harm the vegetation if used in excess. Although most of the deicers have chemicals similar to fertilizers, they can still cause damage if they are over-applied. Clearing most of the snow and ice before applying the deicer or using a coloured salt de-icer can help minimize the amount used.
Safety Guidelines for Using De-Icers
1. It is always important to read the manufacturer's safety guidelines closely before applying a deicer to the surface.
2. Try to choose a deicer that melts a major amount of snow and ice at once since a more effective deicer can help you to use less which can save you money.
3. You could avoid harming the vegetation if salt-tolerant trees, shrubs, and grass are placed near the sidewalk and driveway.
4. Remove snow from grass often and pile snow on paved surfaces.
It is advised to keep the deicers stored in a dry, well-ventilated area so that they are not exposed to moisture as it may harden them. Calcium Chloride and Magnesium chloride attract the most moisture, so they require extra storage care. Keeping them in airtight containers can avoid moisture getting inside.
OUR PRODUCTS
Ice salt, driveway salt, road salt, and sidewalk salt are deicers which can be used for all purposes and Draglam Salt has a variety of options to choose from. Our product lineup includes some eco-friendly deicers that are safe to use around pets and children.
Some of our products include Bagged Rock Salt, Landscapers Choice Bag, Meltco Premium De-icer, Meltco treated de-icer, Meltco Lake effects Melter and much more. We also have a variety of materials available in bulk sacks which is a cost-effective option to save on labor.
Get ready for the Winter by ordering your deicer today!
Contact us at:
Phone: 905.907.9815
Email: deice@draglamsalt.com