Salt is the most common deicer used on decks and other surfaces during winter months. It can be found in many different products, such as rock salt and calcium chloride ice melt. While salt is effective at melting ice, it can also damage metal decking if not used properly. As temperatures drop, homeowners should take extra care when treating their yards with deicing agents to avoid permanent damage to their property.
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Salt Isn't Great For Your Deck, Especially If It Has Aluminum.
Your deck is made of wood, and salt is corrosive to wood. But that’s not the whole story. Salt can also damage other materials like aluminum, zinc, and steel—even concrete! So when you’re looking to build a new patio, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected from salty winters by using an ice melt product that doesn’t contain sodium chloride (i.e., ordinary table salt).
Chloride Is Corrosive.
Chlorides in winter deicer products can deteriorate almost any metal, including steel, aluminum, and zinc. Most deicing products are designed to melt ice and keep the surface below at 32 degrees F or above.
Chlorides are corrosive to metal surfaces; they attack the metal by dissolving it away. As a result of this corrosion process, deicing materials such as sodium chloride (rock salt), calcium chloride ice melt, and magnesium chloride have become common cause of rust stains on concrete patios exposed to winter weather conditions.
Calcium chloride ice melt is one of the most aggressive deicers available on the market today. It is highly corrosive to a variety of materials, including metal and concrete.
Calcium chloride ice melt is one of the most aggressive deicers available on the market today. It is highly corrosive to a variety of materials, including metal and concrete.
Safe Thaw
Safe Thaw was created as the ice management solution for tough winter environments. Ideal in commercial and industrial properties, shops, government agencies, bridges, and construction.
Buy NowBest Ice Melt For Patios
Safe Thaw is an environmentally friendly product that works well in temperatures just slightly above freezing. Because it’s safe for the environment, pets, children, and plants (not to mention concrete, wood, and metal), Safe Thaw is a great option if you’re looking for something that will melt ice without hurting your grass or other garden plants. If you’ve used it, you know it’s better than homemade ice melter.
100% Salt & Chloride-Free, Fast-Acting Ice Management Solution
Conclusion
If you want to keep your deck in good shape, then you should try to avoid using deicers that contain chloride. Even if they are labeled as environmentally friendly, they can still cause damage over time. You’ll want to keep an eye out for signs of rust or corrosion on the surface of your deck so that when something needs repair, it’s easy enough to do without needing outside help.
Try Also Our Other Winter Safety Products
Safe Paw
The Original and #1 Selling Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Ice Traction (with Traction Magic™)
Ice Traction is your go-to winter solution for driveways, walkways, parking lots, and even black ice on the road. Unlike salt or ice melts, it delivers instant grip on snow and slippery surfaces with no wait time.
Just spread and go.
Instant Grip. Zero Melt Time.
Total Confidence on Black Ice
