Can You Use Ice Melt On Cracked Concrete?

Cracks on the concrete are the most common issue with concrete that is little aged, used roughly, or suffered from climate. Therefore, you can prolong your concrete’s life with caution and care. However, once the concrete starts showing cracks, you are already facing icy and snowy winter and wondering – “Can you use ice melt on cracked concrete?”. 

Well, if you are using Salt and chloride-based ice melt, definitely the answer will be – No. Because the ice melt in this series, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, and Magnesium Chloride are dangerous for your concrete. Therefore, you need to opt for an ice melt that doesn’t hurt concrete. 

They are highly corrosive to the metal and can quickly go through those cracks with brine to the steel rebar during the freeze/thaw cycle. This toxic liquid will not only corrode your steel reinforcement but freeze inside the gaps with a 9% increase in size, creating a pressure that will widen the cracks on the concrete and spalling on the surface. 

It is recommended that you should repair the cracks before you have to apply any kind of ice melt. Moreover, you must understand what will melt ice the fastest and safest way. 

If you have to use ice melt on cracked concrete, choose a urea-based ice melt that doesn’t hurt the concrete and does not corrode the metal and rebar. 

Ice Melt That Doesn’t Hurt Concrete

Let’s look at various products and their tendencies to find an ice melt that doesn’t hurt concrete.

• Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)-Rock Salt is the cheapest and oldest way to melt the ice, but most dangerous to your concrete if it already has cracks.

• Calcium Chloride – Calcium Chloride is less harmful to vegetation than rock salt and has faster performance at a lower temperature; however, it can damage concrete and machinery. 

• Magnesium Chloride– Magnesium Chloride is relatively expensive but dangerous to concrete, pets, children, wildlife, and adults. 

• Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)– Calcium Magnesium Acetate is less harmful to the environment. However, it is corrosive to metals and concrete driveways. 

• Urea– Urea is commonly known as a fertilizer but is also an excellent ice melt for concrete driveways, sidewalks, and patios. It can melt ice down to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, is made of carbon dioxide and ammonia, and contains 46% Nitrogen. As a result, urea is the least toxic deicer and a perfect choice for people who want to avoid salt-related harm to the concrete.

What Will Melt Ice The Fastest And Safest Way? Of Course, Safe Thaw

Safe Thaw is a urea-based ice melt that will melt ice faster even at a lower temperature of as (-25) °F without causing any harm to the concrete. It is non-corrosive and non-conductive, thus will not damage metal rebar and concrete; ice melting crystals prevent brine from reforming the ice and prevent cracks. It is a natural formula that does not harm pets, kids, vegetation, and the environment. 

Conclusion

It is recommended not to apply ice melt unless you repair the cracks of your concrete driveway or use a natural ice melt like Safe Thaw to avoid dangerous harm to concrete and metal while ensuring a safe environment.

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