Does Ice Melt Damage Concrete?
Does Ice Melt Damage Concrete?
Are you considering using an ice melter to melt the ice and snow but you are worried about damaging your concrete? In this post, we’ll discuss whether or not ice melt damages concrete. Let’s get to it:
Does Ice Melt Damage Concrete?
Ice melt rarely causes concrete damage. However, there are some cases in which it can cause damage. Below, we look at the different ice melt products and how they may damage concrete.
Calcium Chloride
When used for prolonged periods, this product may attack the metal rebar in concrete and cause rusting. This can also happen if used excessively or applied to the ground and not allowed to dry before snowfall begins. Also, if you use calcium chloride in an area that’s not wet, it can cause the concrete to heave. Calcium Chloride may also discolor concrete if used excessively or not allowed to dry before snowfall begins.
Potassium Chloride
This product does an excellent job at melting ice and will usually cause no damage if applied correctly. However, potassium chloride can be damaging if the concrete has been heavily stained with grease, fertilizer, oil, or other chemicals that are prone to leaching through concrete.
Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride can cause concrete damage if it interacts with salt, which increases its corrosive properties. It should also not be used in an area where the ground has been contaminated by oil, gasoline, fuel oils, and solvents. These substances may react to Magnesium Chloride’s acidic compounds and dissolve the surface of your concrete slab.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
This is applied at intervals of about six inches and allowed to dry before snowfall starts again. Do not spray it on a surface when it’s below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes some chemical reactions, resulting in damage to concrete surfaces or structures like guardrails made from steel, aluminum, or plastic. If you’re using CMA for very brief periods followed by periodic applications – as short as 15 minutes- after each application is complete, then there won’t likely be any long-term damage.
How do you melt ice without damaging concrete?
The best to use ice melt without damaging concrete is by choosing a product that is great for use on concrete. And, when in doubt, it’s best to ask the manufacturer if their recommendation will work with your type of surface before using the ice melt product.
Ensure the ice melt dries off before it snows again. This is because snow will cause an uneven surface. And always apply ice melt in intervals of about six inches and wait at least three hours between applications.
As noted earlier, however, concrete damage by ice melt is rare. It only happens when you expose the concrete surface to ice melt for long periods. But in some cases, this can happen, and the damage will be limited to discoloration or rusting- but only when calcium chloride is used with improper application techniques. Most of the time, concrete damage happens due to the freezing/thaw cycle. But, the rate of damage is significantly less with a concrete overlay.
You can reduce concrete damage by using top-quality ice melt products. At NorthRock Minerals, we offer a wide variety of concrete overlays and ice melt products perfect for the winter. Our snow and ice melting products are extensively tested and approved for use on various surfaces.
We have been in the industry for years, producing best-in-class products. We guarantee 100% customer satisfaction on all orders. Whatever ice melt needs you have got, we have you covered. Get in touch with us today to find the right ice melt products for your home.
