Being in the concrete business for 30 years i get asked that question a lot.
Deicer that won t harm concrete.
Due it s exceptional exothermic properties calcium chloride is the most effective concrete safe deicer for colder climates.
Capable of melting ice when the ambient temperature is as low as 25 f calcium chloride is the best solution in extreme weather conditions.
Cma is considered no more corrosive than tap water and does not harm vegetation or ponds lakes and streams.
Considered the most environmentally friendly concrete deicer.
I grew up in the midwest in cincinnati ohio.
The first thing you need to do is look for damage on your concrete that will need to be repaired before harsh winter snow and ice arrive.
No de icer is perfectly safe for concrete.
Cma is a combination of dolomitic lime and acetic acid the principle component of vinegar.
These de icers are organic chemical compounds that break down naturally in the environment and leave little damage.
He recommends mixing your ice melt with an abrasive such as sand which reduces the amount of salt on your pavement and.
De icers should not be used on new concrete wait until it is at least one year old and it has been treated with a sealer to reduce the amount of salt that can.
Because you are melting ice while the general temperature is below zero allowing both water and some kind of chemical to flow into the concrete itself and refreeze shortly after.
The compound doesn t harm animal and plant life at all.
The truth is concrete deicers don t really harm the concrete it s what the deicing salts do to the snow and ice that potentially harms the concrete.
Cma is meant for new concrete that is less than two years old.
Then find a recommended de icer from any home supply store.
Safe paw safe paw is one of the few ice melt products on the market that can be used around pets and children and it will not cause harm to your concrete walkways.
Cincinnati can get brutal below zero temperatures in the winter.
Chlorides cause concrete to rust crack and deteriorate orr says.
Improperly poured cured and sealed concrete is susceptible to freeze and thaw damage.
Cma is made up of acetic acid which is the main component of vinegar and dolomitic lime.
This explains why it is sometimes used to coat other ice melts.
Lots of old concrete was installed correctly and deicing salt does not harm it.
This compound is also regarded as the best ice melt for concrete.
If you do use rock salt at the very least stop applying it by later winter.
