Why Your Bluestone Patios Need A Different Ice Melt
Winter is a tough season for outdoor spaces. No matter how carefully you decorate your patio or deck, cold weather can quickly destroy your hard work. If you have a bluestone patio, winter can be even tough. That doesn’t mean you put your patio or deck away until spring! With the correct ice melt and simple tips, you can keep your bluestone patios and decks safe all year round.
Bluestone Properties You Should Know About
Bluestone is a natural stone that is popular for patios. It’s porous, so it can stain easily if not properly taken care of. It will also be damaged by snow and ice if you don’t protect it.
In fact, its porous nature makes it such a good choice for patios and driveways. It has been used for centuries in flooring applications, but because it’s so soft, some homeowners may worry about protecting these surfaces from ice melt or de-icing products (like salt) and prevent damage over time.
Does Ice Melt Damage Bluestone?
Bluestone for patios are a popular choice for outdoor spaces due to their natural beauty and durability. However, when winter arrives, the question of how to care for bluestone for patio surfaces becomes essential. Bluestone is a natural stone known for its resilience, but it can be sensitive to certain ice melt products. So, what ice melt is safe for bluestone? Traditional rock salt and some chemical-based ice melters contain chlorides that can harm bluestone surfaces over time. These substances can penetrate the stone, leading to cracks, pitting, or discoloration. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right ice melt product to protect your bluestone patio.
What Happens When Bluestone is Heated?
Bluestone is a dense and non-porous material. When heated, it retains warmth, making it an excellent choice for outdoor patios. During winter, bluestone for patios can absorb heat from sunlight, helping to melt snow and ice naturally. However, this process may take time, and in extreme cold, it may not be sufficient. This is where the use of a safe ice melter like Safe Thaw can be beneficial.
Is Bluestone Slippery in Winter?
Bluestone patios have a textured surface that can provide some traction even in winter conditions. However, when covered with ice or snow, any surface can become slippery. To enhance safety, regular removal of snow and ice is recommended, along with the use of a chloride-free ice melt like Safe Thaw.
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.
Best Ice Melt For Bluestone:
The best ice melt for bluestone is one that is chloride-free and safe for natural stone surfaces. If you’re having trouble deciding what type of ice melt to use on your bluestone patio or driveway, do not worry—there is an answer!
- Chemical-Based Ice Melt: If you’re thinking of using regular rock salt on your bluestone patio or driveway without causing damage, rethink. If your goal is preservation, we recommend using something that is free from chemicals like sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, etc. A chemical-free ice melt helps prevent stains.
- Chemical-Free Ice Melt: This is where Safe Thaw comes in! This product contains special surfactants, inhibitors, and ice melting boosters that make maintenance easier by preventing buildup. It contains natural ingredients (modified urea) which means zero stains on the bluestone and other natural stones. We have found that it melts snow fast and works in low temperatures. Therefore, it’s considered the best ice melt for bluestone.
Safe Thaw is an ideal choice as it’s a salt-free and chloride-free ice melter. It’s specially formulated to be gentle on bluestone, preventing damage while effectively melting ice and snow. Safe Thaw’s dual-effect formula breaks the surface tension and instantly melts ice, making it a safe and efficient solution for bluestone patios.
Pro tip: Use the best handheld ice melt spreader to make sure your ice melt is spread evenly.
100% salt & chloride-free, fast acting Ice Management Solution
Conclusion
So, we’ve given you a lot of information about bluestone and how winter weather can damage it. Now that you’re convinced, what do you do? First, get some Safe Thaw or a similar non-corrosive ice melt. You will be glad you made the investment for your patio.
FAQs
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
Prevent slips at home, work or on the go, 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.
