Can You Deice A Damaged Concrete Driveway With Ice Melt?
Cracking of concrete driveways can be caused due to various reasons like rough handling, aging, excessive use of salts during winters, improper installation, and so on. It is advisable to monitor the health of your concrete driveway and repair it whenever needed. 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 winters and wondering – whether to use ice melt on an already cracked concrete driveway.
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 ruin 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.
Chloride-based ice melts 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 Is The Safe Ice Melt For Driveways?
Safe Thaw is a safe ice melt for driveways. 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.
100% salt & chloride-free, fast acting Ice Management Solution
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.
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 –It won’t harm animals or children, and it won’t damage your property. That’s Safe Paw. Safe Paw can change how winter affects our planet.
Walk On Ice
The handy disposable canister can be taken everywhere, with the same 100% naturally occurring minerals that provide instant traction on ice or snow. Use it on sidewalks, steps, or as an instant traction agent for your car.
