Those can stain surfaces and contaminate water. You can usually buy a pack of 60 roof melt tablets for around $25 to $30, whereas the cost to have a pro remove an ice dam from your roof is around $100 or more in some cases. Delivery Type: Please Make Product Selection (s). MAG is 100% natural, clean, effective, and safer when compared to common de-icers. When shoveling ice melt, try not to toss any slush onto your plants. It is even more important in this case to wear proper PPE, including a mask, gloves, and eye protection. Many people choose to use a mixture of magnesium chloride with a blend of rock salt to remove ice and snow. The Midwest Research Institute study also evaluated ice penetration. Its effective low-temperature limit is listed as minus-20 degrees Fahrenheit. Always apply the suggested amount of magnesium chloride per square foot on the label. Intended Surfaces: Driveways | Type: Pellets | Size: 20 pounds | Use around pets/plants with caution? Magnesium chloride also comes in many forms, sizes, and shapes. Bogemans, J, L Neirincks and JM Stassart, Effect of Deicing Chloride Salts on Ion Accumulation in Spruce: Plant and Soil, 113. Pour the contents into a pump sprayer and apply to any areas where you want to prevent ice from forming. As a former residential and commercial carpenter for four years, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write buying guides, how-to articles, and product reviews. Unlike other ice melters, magnesium chloride ice melt leaves minimal to no residue which makes clean up easy and virtually non-existent. Keep in mind that although asphalt isn't totally safe from potential damage, it's generally more tolerant of chloride-based ice melts than concrete. Calcium Chloride. Magnesium chloride products come in different formsprimarily pellet, flake, or liquidand may be mixed with other chemicals or abrasive materials like sand to be more effective. Copyright 2017-2019 Kissner Milling Company Ltd All rights reserved. "Any chloride-based chemical will absorb into the porous surface of concrete and eventually damage its surface," said Kendzior. This article was researched and written by Katie Melynn, a freelance writer who specializes in home and family products. By Pollard Highway Products, Ltd. 4- Dogs should be prevented from eating ice melt when taken out for a walk. Kitchener, Ontario Potassium Chloride (KCl) - Endothermic properties and a lowest effective temperature of +25F (-4C) limits the use of potassium chloride for ice melting. FACT: If anything, Magnesium chloride is more harmful to vegetation. Melting and Penetration of Magnesium Chloride and Flake Calcium Chloride Deicers. In general, magnesium chloride is known to be less harmful to its surroundings as long as its used as directed. So, plan to use all of the ice melt at once or have a way to store it, preferably in a sealed bucket. Although CaCl2 and MgCl2 are considered non-toxic, the Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances states that MgCl2 has nearly three times the toxicity of CaCl2 on a common measure of toxicity. 148 Manitou Dr, Unit 301 When calcium chloride and magnesium chloride react with water, they form calcium hydroxide and magnesium hydroxide, and, thereby, form hydronium ions. This is why it's important to only use as much as you need to get the job done, and avoid spreading it in areas of vegetation. Here are some common de-icing compounds, as well as their chemical formulas, temperature range, advantages, and disadvantages: While some salts are more effective at melting ice than others, that doesn't necessarily make them the best choice for a certain application. We would prefer that the 20-pound bag it comes in be resealable. Just as the magnesium chloride pellets were tested in 21 degrees Fahrenheit weather, the flakes melted twice as much ice as the rock salt did. The manufacturer specifies that you shouldnt use this product on concrete thats less than one year old, has exposed cracks, or is composed of stone, or brick masonry. It can also be a dedusting and stabilizing agent for gravel roads, reducing maintenance and increasing safety. You can find magnesium chloride in small and large quantities at most home improvement stores. Pellets are a popular form of magnesium chloride since they allow you to spread larger pieces of concentrated chemicals directly on the ice. . Most ice melts use some combination of chlorides. When temperatures get lower than that - as they often do in Kansas - sodium chloride products will not be able to do the job. You'll need to monitor the weather and keep an eye out for upcoming snowfalls for it to be effective, but if you have pets, it's worth the extra effort. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. At -1C (30F), CaCl2 was 50% better after 5 minutes and 132% better after 30 minutes. Product Form: Pellet. It is less harmful to concrete, walkways and vegetation when used as directed. Some products add dyes to show where you have spread the ice melt. Because of these issues, its important to use only as little rock salt as is needed. Selecting a salt to melt ice depends on its cost, availability, environmental impact, toxicity, and reactivity, in addition to its optimal temperature. Yes/Yes, Can be used with a spreader or from the bag. Both materials are used in fertilizers. Bare Ground Liquid de-icer is effective for keeping snow and ice from sticking to asphalt surfaces such as some drivewaysup to 10 days, according to the manufacturer. In reality, pickle brine naturally has . This bag from Home Depot is only a few dollars and should be enough to get you started. Magnesium chloride products are effective to 5 degrees F, while potassium chloride salts are the least effective, melting only to 20 degrees F. The most important thing to know about ice melt is that it performs best when you lay it down before a storm and prevent ice from forming altogether. Theres no denying that property owners have a huge task when it snows. Free shipping. Helps keep surfaces dry. Keep in mind that calcium chloride, just like other chlorides, can be harmful to pets. 0 + View All. This is safer for your pets as well. We have not noted any special danger to pets, although any ice melt can be harmful if ingested or licked off paws. "When large quantities of deicing chemicals find their way into the storm sewer system and eventually into a waterway (i.e., river or lake), they often react with other substances in the water which can cause harm to fish and wildlife," said Kendzior. Road Runner. The manufacturer has positioned this product to be environmentally friendly by combining a slew of ice-melting chemicals, with magnesium chloride as the main ingredient. It is also naturally pet friendly. This is because salt is used to melt the ice and snow and keep it from refreezing. If you do have it use it around metal, hose it off as soon as you can. The quicker action means magnesium chloride is better for heavily trafficked areas. Magnesium chloride and calcium chloride melt ice at the same rate, but the fact that it leaves behind minimal residue makes the cleanup process that much faster and easier. The granules can irritate their paws and, if licked off, can cause gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. For smaller areas that need deicing, like your walkway or windshield, Adams recommends mixing a large quantity of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Calcium Magnesium Acetate,Magnesium Chloride,Sodium Chloride. Science of How It Works, Calculating the Concentration of a Chemical Solution, Where to Buy Saltpeter or Potassium Nitrate, How to Grow Table Salt or Sodium Chloride Crystals, Freezing Point Depression Example Problem, Examples of Physical Changes and Chemical Changes, What Is the Best Deicer? However, it can be more expensive than other options. The Ministry of the Environment in British Columbia found that CaCl2 has significantly less toxicity than MgCl2 in bioassay tests on rainbow trout and the water flea daphnia. Even though brands often advertise magnesium chloride products as safe and natural, it's still best to prevent contact with your skin, eyes, and mouth. As the water melts, the solution spreads out over nearby surfaces and causes them to melt as well. Individual/Bulk: Individual. If you're trying to melt ice in a highly concentrated area, stick to the flake or liquid forms below. According to a study by SGS Testing Services, within the first five minutes of ice melt application at 0F, calcium chloride will melt 40% more ice than magnesium chloride . Tip #3: Make sure you are using your ice melt/rock salt products safely and efficiently. This is because it is hygroscopic which simply means it that it absorbs moisture. Magnesium chloride is also uniquely suited for use on or near aluminum components, like wheelchair ramps. You might have questions about using pickle brine as a de-icer as it isn't as commonly used as products such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride to treat road surfaces. Email us at [email protected]. This creates a brine that makes it easier to mechanically clear off the snow and ice, loosening the bond and clearing the surface. MAG has a low toxicity level (almost 3 times less toxic than common table salt and 8 times less toxic than calcium chloride) making it a much safer ice melting product to use at home or the workplace. Magnesium Chloride ice melt can melt approximately -5 F, which is much lower than the temperature level than popular rock salt and urea products. In addition, a study of concrete deterioration by deicing salts, including MgCl2 and CaCl2, at Iowa State University found that magnesium chloride was the most destructive salt with severe deterioration produced under almost all of the experimental conditions. Deterioration was judged by the degree of crumbling, fracturing and brownish discoloration. The study found that at -7C (20F), CaCl2 flake melted 29% more ice after 10 minutes and 42% more ice after 30 minutes than did MgCl2 flake. In certain quantities, all chlorides can harm plants. FACT: Magnesium chloride is more detrimental to concrete. K-9 Pet Friendly . The best-rated product in Ice Melt is the 30 Gal. Although rock salt is still considered the most popular type of ice melter, magnesium chloride ice melt is known as a smarter and safer choice. This low temperature advantage makes magnesium chloride a highly suitable melter for residential and commercial use. It may also come mixed with other chemicals that can pose risks to your furry friends. A container of 60 tablets should last you through the winter, although that depends on their efficacy and the severity of the season's weather. It leaves no residue. ASPCA. This ice melt is part of ECOSs line of what they position as environmentally friendly home products for cleaning and upkeep. Its mild impact makes it ideal for use on most outdoor surfaces and vegetation versus other ice melt options. The salts in ice melt come in pellet form, but it doesn't provide the traction rock salt offers. Our top pick is Green Gobbler Pet-Safe Ice Melt. Store your magnesium chloride away from sun, moisture, and access by pets or children. It is particularly appealing to use for ice melting as it has a low chemical impact. Magnesium chloride is less corrosive than rock salt and milder than calcium chloride, but that means you need to apply more of it. CALCIUM CHLORIDE (CaCl) Melts to -25F. Many commercial property managers use magnesium chloride for efficient snow and ice removal during the winter months. SEVEN THINGS Facility Managers Must Know About Ice Melters! And, an evaluation of how deicing salts affect spruce trees found that CaCl2 aids beneficial potassium uptake, while chloride levels increased with MgCl2. Bare Ground Solution Coated Granular Ice Melt is faster acting and less corrosive than standard sodium chloride, thanks to liquid magnesium chloride and a corn-derived additive coating. Granules. Ice melt also contains sodium chloride, along with other chemicals like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. https://www.thoughtco.com/melting-snow-and-ice-with-salt-602184 (accessed March 18, 2023). Web Serious Side Effects Of Magnesium Chloride. Both rock salt and ice melt are naturally occurring salts. Most melts can be toxic if ingested, so take care not to expose your pets to these products. If you'd prefer not to use ice melt on your roof, we've had great success using a roof rake to prevent snow and ice buildup in the first place. Intended surfaces: Driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, walkways | Type: Pellets | Size: 35 pounds | Use around pets/plants with caution? Sodium chloride isn't effective when used in negative temperatures either, so if your outside temperature drops below 5 degrees Fahrenheit you'll need to go with a different option. Jiffy Melt Ice Melt Salt contains a specially formulated blend of magnesium chloride and sodium chloride for quick-melting action at temperatures of -10 F / -23 C. Yes/No. This affordable ice melt combines magnesium chloride and calcium chloride for quick-acting ice melt in temperatures as low as minus-15 degrees Fahrenheit. It isnt quite as effective in cold temperatures (below -5 degrees Fahrenheit). Canada N2C 1L3. How Will Airports be Affected by the New EPA Effluent Guidelines? . Iowa State University. It is also biodegradable. Like other Safe Step products, Safe Step Enviro-Blend is available in a range of sizes and containers, so it should be easy to find the right option for you. Some manufacturers tout their ice. Always begin by reading the specific instructions provided on your magnesium chloride ice melt packaging. Keep your driveway or walkway safe and free of ice this winter with the 50 lbs. Expect the 5-gallon package to cover around 5,000 square feet (slightly larger than a basketball court). Adams recommends sodium chloride as the best ice melt for asphalt specifically, making this product ideal for those with asphalt driveways, parking lots, or walking paths. Katie Melynn is a product reviewer for The Spruce who specializes in lifestyle and parenting writing. According to Adams, sodium chloride also known as "rock salt" is the best ice melt for asphalt. Intended Surfaces: Driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, walkways | Type: Pellets | Size: 7 pounds | Use around pets/plants with caution? For instance, rainbow trout, which represent the high end of the food chain, were five times more sensitive to MgCl2 than to 35% CaCl2. When it comes to making your walkway safe for snowball fights and heading out to the car, magnesium chloride has some major ice-melting benefits. Calcium chloride de-icer does not just penetrate the ice better in freezing temperatures, it will also actually melt the ice significantly faster than magnesium chloride. If there is ice under snow, clear the snow away, and this product is designed to melt the ice quickly and efficiently, in temperatures as low as minus-30 degrees Fahrenheit. for pricing and availability. Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Cautions When the two compounds are used in equal amounts, MgCl2 thus adds about 15% more chloride to the environment than CaCl2. Letter from LT Hubbard, PE, Director of Municipal Liquid and Environmental Waste Branch, Environmental Protection Division, Quebec Ministry of the Environment to the Ministry of Transportation. It is considered less corrosive to concrete, although it can irritate skin and thus is more dangerous to pets than magnesium chloride. If you need a de-icer in cooler temperatures, youll need another solution. Registry of Toxic Effects of Chemical Substances, Lewis RJ SR, Saxs Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 1989. Chloride ions (not the element chlorine) are generally considered when looking at adverse effects on the environment. That allows the warmer air to melt the ice. This factor is critical because ice melters must punch through ice and packed snow to break their bond with the pavement so plows can remove them. Naturally pet friendly. Ingredient: Magnesium chloride Effective temperature: -15 F Good for: Roofs, concrete, asphalt when used sparingly Pros: Doesn't produce white residue, won't burn your skin, less toxic for plants and animals Cons: Can leave oily residue when tracked indoors This helps the ice melter to dissolve into a brine faster which instigates the melting of the ice surrounding it. Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Cautions Quikrete All-Purpose Sand: If you want to avoid anything potentially harmful to your pets or the environment, or if you have newly poured concrete (anything less than a year old is susceptible to damage from ice melts), then you might want to consider using sand to combat your ice problems. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Magnesium chloride melts ice more quickly than sodium chloride, but it attracts moisture, which can lead to slick conditions. Ice melt products can be made from a combination of salts like magnesium chloride and calcium chloride or can be those salts alone. Which do you use? However, depending on your needs, magnesium chloride may not be the ice melt solution for you. Ice melts generally come as pellets or liquid sprays. Calcium Chloride vs. Rock Salt. With 1/3 less chlorides, it is safer for pets, people, and environment. Gel. (It does come in a smaller 15-pound size but it is more expensive by weight.) When the two materials are compared equally (on a dry weight basis that removes all water), MgCl2 has 74% chloride while CaCl2 has 64% chloride. They work quickly and spread widely, which is helpful on large driveways or walkways. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Just as they sound, magnesium chloride pellets are spherical in shape and work well in commercial ice melting. Potassium chloride can also be used as a deicing product. It is considered less damaging to concrete than highly effective rock salt (sodium chloride), because you can use less of it on the same-size area. ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/melting-snow-and-ice-with-salt-602184. Move slowly and carefully and add an even and thin layer to the ice. A sealed, airtight container is best. Int J Dermatol. Magnesium chloride's lowest practical melting pavement temperature is -10F. Magnesium chloride is gentler on greenery than other options, resulting in less damage to your outdoor green spaces. Calcium chloride can be purchased as either flakes, pellets, or as a liquid. This product is also naturally lower in chlorides than other chloride-based ice melts, making it less toxic to pets and vegetation and more environmentally firendly overall. 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