Ice Melt
Reduces ice hazards on walkways and parking areas. Typically made from a blend of sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium chloride. Ice melt lowers the freezing point of water. Small amounts of salt partially melts the ice forming a brine (solution of salt and water). The solution flows under the ice and breaks the bond between the ice and pavement.
Some Ice melts contain a dye to visually aid in applying.
| Effective Temp. | Asphalt/Concrete Damage | Benefits | Precautions | |
| Calcium Chloride | -25° F | Minimal to Moderate | Fast acting | Can damage grass and plants |
| Magnesium Chloride | -13° F | Moderate to Significant | Environmentally Friendly, Safer around pets, Fast acting | Can damage plants when overapplied Lethal to pets that suffer from kidney disease if ingested. |
| Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt) | 5° F | Minimal to Moderate | Inexpensive | Can damage asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, metal, grass, plants, and wood decks. Don’t use on concrete less than 1 year old. Lethal to pets if ingested. |
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