Nothing feels better than a hot shower after coming back from a snowy and cold winter day. But, what happens when you have ice covering your pavement? What if the ice is covered with a thin layer of snow? Fortunately, you can easily solve this problem with ice melt products, or rather de-icing agents. There are several ice melt products you can get, but not all of them are of the same quality and will not work the same way. In this article, we’ll introduce you and give you the low down on some of the best products on the market so you can make an informed decision.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Green Gobbler 96% Pure Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt Pellets | Best Overall |  |
| Safe Paw Ice Melter | Budget Pick |  |
| Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature + Pet Friendly CMA Blended Ice Melter | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Green Gobbler 96% Pure Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt Pellets
Pros:
- Works extremely well in extreme winter conditions
- Reduces snow buildup on the surface
- Comes at a decent price
- Ideal for a wide range of weather conditions
- No chemical residue left behind for vegetation
- Available in a 35-pound container, 3-pound container, and 22-pound container
- Includes easy-connect ties
- Doesn’t leave a sticky residue left behind
Cons:
- Exclamation mark points out that the product is flammable
- Applications need to be carefully calculated
- Prolonged exposure can cause soil erosion
Let’s face it … winters are long and brutal in most parts of the world. And dealing with snow can be a significant annoyance and a difficult task. However, it’s something you can manage with the right tools.
Calcium chloride is the best deicer for your driveway, walkway, and patio. It’s easy to use and you can not only clear walkways quickly, but also melt snow and ice from the surface. This product is available in different pail sizes, so it suits different budgets – 3, 11, 22, and 35 pounds.
2. Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature + Pet Friendly CMA Blended Ice Melter
Pros:
- Easy to apply
- Doesn’t stain concrete or vegetation
- Minimizes water runoff
- Has excellent longevity
- Good coverage
- Reapplication is not needed
- Doesn’t stain concrete or vegetation
- Minimizes water runoff
- Has excellent longevity
- Good coverage…
Cons:
- Not 100% pet-friendly
- Some customers complained that the water was not hot enough
- May leave granules on driveway leading to some staining
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In addition to the rowing machine, Concept2 also sells indoor rowers for competitive use. These indoor rowers have a length of 22 feet, and a 200-pound weight capacity. It features an LCD display, which shows stroke rate, distance, calories burned, as well as the duration of the workout.
This rowing machine has a unique feature of being able to be mounted against a wall. It comes with adjustable footrests. It also includes a magnetic blue resistance system for an authentic indoor rowing experience.
3. Natural Alternative Ice Melt Another NATURLAWN Product
Pros:
- 100% natural chemical free
- Contains potassium chloride and calcium chloride
- Calcium chloride quickly melts ice down to -22 degrees Fahrenheit
- Safer for lawns and trees since it doesn't contain harsh chemicals
- Environmentally friendly
Cons:
- It requires slightly more application than other products
- It's important to apply after a light snow so it can be absorbed into the ground quickly
This calcium chloride product from Naturalawon represents a viable alternative to the other chemical solutions that are usually used to clear ice in winter. According to the manufacturer, this product is created using natural substances, and is more suitable in a watering can than in a bucket.
The manufacturer recommends watering ground areas affected by ice to a depth of 10 inches in order to melt the product. It's important to do this early in the day so the calcium chloride can properly absorb into the soil.
When used properly, calcium chloride can help to prevent accidents such as falls on ice and slips on sidewalks and steps in areas prone to ice. It can also be used to melt ice off of roadways.
4. Safe Paw Ice Melter
Pros:
- Cheaper than most alternatives
- Non-toxic and environmentally safe
- Can be safely used around kids and pets
- Easy to use and apply
Cons:
- Does not work as well as chemical ice melt
- Can leave residue behind
Safe Paw Ice Melter is an environmentally safe ice melt product that uses a unique natural mineral compound to help melt ice and snow. It is safe to use around kids and pets and has been shown to be effective in temperatures as low as -30 degrees f.
This is an 8-pound 3-ounce jug that comes with a handle for easy pouring and simple storage. The product is non-toxic so you can rest assured that it’s safe to use around your kids and pets. This product is fairly cheap and does not require any special safety gear to apply.
However, it does take longer to dissolve than some of the chemical based alternatives. While it may be less expensive than traditional chemical based ice melts it is not as effective.
5. Snow Joe MELT25CCP 25-LB Professional Strength Calcium Chloride Pellets Ice Melter Resealable Bag
Pros:
- Calcium chloride de-icer is effective at lower temperatures than other common ice melters
- Can be used both indoors and outdoors
- Compatible with salt spreaders
- Safe for trees and shrubs
- Affordable and come in a resealable bag
- Will not clog sprinkler heads, drains, or septic systems
Cons:
- In some cases, there have been reports of deposits on concrete surfaces
- The calcium chloride pellets can leave a white residual film on surfaces that must be cleaned after application with an appropriate cleaner.
Another distinct feature of the Snow Joe MELT25CCP 25-LB Calcium Chloride Pellets is the ability to be used both indoors and outdoors, making them a good pick for protecting your parking lots, walkways, driveways, patios, and vehicle. It has a melting point which makes it ideal when temperatures drop as low as -4 Fahrenheit to -20 Fahrenheit.
The product is shipped in a resealable bag. When using this product straight from the bag, it can be thrown at hard-to-reach areas. Apart from providing excellent ice melting capabilities, the product does not contain chemical additives, or lithium chloride. It is also safe for trees and shrubs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which of chemical would be the most effective for melting ice in the winter?
Let us consider whether sand, gravel, calcium chloride or freezing point depressant — salt (sodium chloride) … is best for melting ice on roads in the winter. These materials are widely used in different parts of the world as a de-icing material.
More or less you can't determine which chemical is better. It depends on weather conditions … temperature, new-fallen snow, degrees of usage … and on local regulations.
Calcium Chloride has the fastest melting speed comparing to other materials and it is the most hygroscopic material. Calcium Chloride is also considered as the best ice melt material around. But it's main drawback is that it has a corrosive effect on concrete and metal.
What is the best ice melt to use?
The best ice melt contains rock salt because it’s the cheapest and is the most effective in preventing ice from forming. It does not, however, melt away ice that’s already formed. So for the best results, make sure you salt your driveway early on before any precipitation hits.
Acidic deicers, on the other hand, break up ice that’s already formed. But they are more expensive and can do more damage to your concrete driveway than rock salt. The last type, Urea, does not work unless it’s mixed with deicers and rock salt. Otherwise, it does not have any effect in this application.
Is it better to put ice melt down before it snows?
Or after?
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) found that salt slush raises the freezing point of the snow. The point where snow turns to ice is lowered when salt is added to the snow. By adding ice melt to snow, you create a less slippery surface which increases traction.
The aim of ice melt is to keep back snow and ice from the pavement surface. However, ice melt works by lowering the freezing point of the water which lowers the freezing point of the surrounding pavement surface too. The best time to use salt for ice safety is after a snowfall when you can achieve a lower freezing temperature so you can prevent more snow and ice from reaching the pavement surface in the first place.
Does salt melt ice at 20 degrees?
Yes, salt will melt ice in freezing temperatures. It does so by lowering the freezing point of water and also by corroding and eroding it. Some ice-melt products work to eliminate ice on contact by introducing heat through friction as they work to melt snow and ice.
Conclusion
The icy winter weather has arrived, and it's important to prepare your home for the winter storms that lie ahead. Even though the most severe part of winter is typically over by the time February rolls around, that doesn't mean you shouldn't prepare just in case. By preparing your home using the best best snow and ice melt products, you can be sure that you'll be ready for severe winter weather.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Green Gobbler 96% Pure Calcium Chloride Snow & Ice Melt Pellets | Best Overall | |
| Safe Paw Ice Melter | Budget Pick | |
| Snow Joe AZ-25-EB Melt-2-Go Nature + Pet Friendly CMA Blended Ice Melter | Upgrade Pick | |