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Keeping your outdoor surfaces clear of ice and snow is important for maintaining safety. You might shovel to remove snow, or apply ice melt to liquefy precipitation. As much as you want to eliminate slippery spots, it's also necessary to use this product carefully because it contains potent chemicals that could cause harm when incorrectly applied. Chemicals Different brands contain different chemicals. Some of the more common chemicals include sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, urea, sodium acetate, calcium magnesium acetate, and ammonium nitrate or sulfate. Some brands contain combinations of these compounds. To determine the correct usage, identify which compounds are present in the product you are using and carefully follow the application directions. The Melting Process Regardless of the chemical, ice melt products generally work in the same way. After applying the product to the surface, the freezing point of the ice or snow changes. This results in the product turning into a brine solution, which either liquefies the ice and snow or turns them to slush. After a short time, it's possible to remove any remaining snow on the driveway or sidewalk with a shovel. Some people use the compound by applying it before precipitation develops, in order to prevent accumulation on the surface. Potentially Damaging Side Effects Use the product according to the manufacturer instructions in order to avoid any side effects. Correct usage should not result in excessive damage. - The brine that occurs after application can harm plants. Never allow direct contact between the pellets and plants. Contact can occur if you move snow containing pellets and place it onto areas where plants grow during the summer. Contact can also occur if the brine drains off a driveway or sidewalk and flows into a planting area. - When you apply ice melt to a concrete surface on an ongoing basis, you are creating a repeated freeze-thaw process. Freezing causes constriction and thawing causes expansion in cracks in the concrete. Contraction and expansion can lead to excessive cracking and damage over time. Do not apply this product to concrete that is less than a year old, stone or brick driveways, or surfaces with cracks or other damage. - Ice melt that's used on your exterior surfaces may become tracked into your home by people and pets. The pellets can cause damage to flooring in the home. If you see a white residue on your flooring or carpet, you can often remove it with a cleaning solution or by vacuuming. How to Use Ice Melt Correctly Proper use of this product has numerous benefits, including increased safety and less work to keep walkways clear. Always use the product at the recommended rate of application in order to prevent damage. It can be tempting to assume that using more pellets will improve the results. However, this is not usually the case. Once you apply pellets lightly over an area and they create a brine, the brine will spread and effectively melt a larger area. Applying the product prior to precipitation will also reduce the amount you need to use. The key to avoiding issues and damage is to use the recommended amount and to apply it at the correct time. When they need ice melt, NJ homeowners should check out http://www.brittonindustries.com/category-s/276.htm.
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