Slip-and-fall accidents are any property owner’s worst nightmare, and choosing the right ice melt from Lehnhoff’s Supply can help you reduce hazards on your Towson property.
Harsh winter weather is just around the corner, and folks all over Maryland are starting to stock up on ice melt in preparation. While it may seem that there are few differences between different types of ice melt, the kind of chemical that you use can impact the effectiveness of your deicing efforts. All deicers work by lowering the freezing point of water, but there are a few different methods used to do this. Slip-and-fall accidents are any property owner’s worst nightmare, and choosing the right ice melt from Lehnhoff’s Supply can help you reduce hazards on your Towson property.
Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride
Both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are chloride salts that are commonly used in ice melt. These compounds are available in both pure forms and blends. Calcium chloride is an incredibly effective and fast-acting deicer, and it functions by absorbing moisture and forming an ice-melting brine. Both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride produce exothermic reactions with water, which means that they release heat as they work. This helps melt ice more quickly, especially in colder temperatures. While both compounds are often considered to be the best deicers available, some property owners choose to use the slightly-slower-acting magnesium chloride due to its comparatively lower risk of corrosion and harm to plant life.
Rock Salt
Rock salt is at the other end of the ice melt cost spectrum, and it is the most widespread deicer in use. It is drastically cheaper than both calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, but it does not work as well in colder temperatures. Rock salt often leaves behind a white residue and can cause corrosion. While salt in low doses is not harmful to vegetation, a high concentration that accumulates over time can be detrimental to plant life.
Ice Melt Blends
Many deicers utilize a blend of different chemicals to provide the safest and most effective product at the lowest possible cost to consumers. Many ice melt blends contain mixes of rock salt and calcium or magnesium chloride, but compounds like sodium acetate, urea, and potassium chloride are also somewhat popular deicer components. The experts at Lehnhoff’s Supply carry a wide range of ice melt products. Give us a call today to see which deicer is right for you.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about how to best prepare your landscape or garden for summer and fall, the trained professionals at Lehnhoff’s Supply are here to help you. Find us at 2708 Belair Road, Fallston, MD 21047 and give us a call at 410-510-7646. For tips, tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
We serve but aren’t limited to, the following parts of Maryland: Harford County – Fallston, Forest Hill, Joppa, Edgewood, Bel Air, Churchville, Havre de Grace, Jarrettsville, Street, Aberdeen, Abingdon, and Joppatowne.
In Baltimore County: Kingsville, Perry Hall, Overlea, Fullerton, Nottingham, Parkville, Towson, Carney, Loch Raven, Lutherville, Timonium, Hunt Valley, Cockeysville, Sparks, Glyndon, Pikesville, Reisterstown, Ruxton, Parkton, Glen Arm, Baldwin, Monkton, Long Green, White Marsh, Rosedale, Phoenix, and Fork.
