With winter on its way, it’s important you choose not only the right supplier but also the right product.
Here we look at the different ice-melting chemicals and the factors to consider when choosing a product for your business.
Rock Salt vs Ice Melt
De-icing rock salt is predominantly composed of sodium chloride aka salt and combined with grit and gravel. It penetrates the frost and stops ice formation down to -15C, turning it into a brine solution which has a lower freezing point than water, causing ice to melt. It is available in huge quantities but can cause damage to metal surfaces, carpets and floors, and is harmful to wildlife and pets if ingested.
Ice Melt is an outdoor cleaning chemical like rock salt in that it prevents frost build-up and melts ice. It may be composed of several chemical compounds – sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, and potassium chloride. You can use Ice Melt urea which is also used as fertiliser and is made with nitrogen. While rock salt lowers the freezing point, Ice Melt reacts with the moisture in ice to create heat.
Capable of working in temperatures down to -30c; it is fast-acting, less corrosive than other de-icing rock salts, less toxic to plants and animals and causes less surface damage. It tends to work faster than rock salt and will not refreeze, ensuring clear paths all day long.
Ice melt works best when laid before the first snowfall or frost, preventing ice from forming. However, it is less effective on already-formed thick ice, may affect freshwater supplies or runoffs if allowed to enter them, and is more expensive than rock salt.
Choosing The Right Ice Melting Chemicals For Your Business
While rock salt is cheaper and readily available in large quantities, you need to be able to store it and may need heavy-duty equipment to move and spread it. Price might be a factor in your decision, but Ice Melt goes through an extensive process, which not only ensures it’s of a higher quality, but also more refined, and produces better results. Its reduced corrosiveness and superior formulation mean it’s also a better choice for businesses concerned about their environmental impact.
As a responsible Ice Melt supplier, Assured Solutions can advise on the correct way to use any ice-melting chemicals, for optimal efficacy and to protect your clients and staff alike. Please get in touch to see how we can help you.
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