Winter is in full swing with snow and ice accumulating on driveways and sidewalks. Snow blowers are great for snow removal, but sometimes you need a little extra help to rid your home of ice.
Deciding which chemicals to use to melt the ice on your driveway and sidewalk is an important decision. Many people simply buy the least expensive product on the market thinking that there is no difference. This could not be farther from the truth. In fact, the type of chemical that you use can have a devastating impact on your lawn, plants, and concrete.
There is a significant difference between traditional rock salt and a professional-grade snow and ice melt.
Rock salt is the mineral form of sodium chloride and essentially lowers the freezing point of water to melt snow and ice away. Small amounts of the salt partially melt the ice, forming a solution of salt and water. That solution moves under the ice to break the bond between the ice and pavement.
Ice melt is typically composed of calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, or a combination of these. Ice melt lowers the freezing point of water to melt snow and ice at much lower temperatures than rock salt. In general, rock salt will only melt snow or ice at 12 degrees Fahrenheit, while professional-grade melts have a much lower melting point of -12 degrees Fahrenheit.
When it comes to de-icers, the benefits of professional-grade ice melt greatly outweigh ordinary rock salt.
Additional benefits of professional snow and ice melt include:
- Will not freeze
- Safer on your plants and lawn
- Is less corrosive than rock salt, making it safer for your driveway, sidewalk, porch, and yard
- Less corrosion also means you don’t need to worry when accidentally tracking residual ice melt indoors – it won’t leave oily residue on carpets
- Pet-friendly options – you can choose a 100% organic, all natural, salt free ice melt
When shopping, look for a professional snow and ice melt that is a 4-way blend of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and chloride. It is also best to select a snow and ice melt where the pellets have been coated with a liquid magnesium chloride. This increases the melting power and ease of pouring.
Don’t be sticker shocked; professional snow and ice melt is a little more expensive than traditional rock salt. Yet, it works significantly better, lasts twice as long, and will not have a damaging effect on your lawn, plants, cement, and carpets.
Now that you have the right chemicals to melt away snow and ice, you need the right equipment to get the job done. Spreaders are built to spread snow and ice melt, and other pelletized material. Some spreaders are large and can be attached to the back of trucks to spread large quantities of material in less time. Many are weather-resistant, holding up against harsh, winter elements. Other spreaders come in small, walk behind models but provide professional-quality performance to spread snow and ice melt.
Give us a call at 855-669-7278 or stop by one of our stores for expert advice and to purchase your snow and ice removal equipment.
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Why Weingartz?
Weingartz, family owned and operated, began in 1945 as a farm supply store for local Michigan families. In the 1970s, we began to focus exclusively on outdoor power equipment. Over time, we morphed into the “power equipment superstore” that now defines all of our locations. The staff and experts at Weingartz work diligently to provide the best service possible and give honest and helpful advice to each and every customer.
Weingartz also sells parts for all outdoor power equipment at https://weingartz.com/parts-lookup.
Weingartz
11875 Northland Dr.
Cedar Springs, MI 49319
(616) 696-2913
info@weingartz.com
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