We have compiled this list of different types of ice melts with the pros and cons of each.
We’ve all experienced the hazards of winter: snowstorms, power outages, bad roads, and sidewalks covered in ice. We understand you want to keep your family, friends, and visitors safe this winter. This means you will be investing hours of hard work into keeping your property and sidewalks free of ice and safe for walking.
Since many different ice melt products are available, it can be confusing to know which product or combination to use for a specific application. That’s why we have compiled this list of different types of ice melts with the pros and cons of each. Keep reading to learn more.
How Ice Melt Works
Ice melts diminish ice by lowering the freezing point of water. The ice melt attracts moisture, forming a liquid brine solution that generates heat. The ice melt can melt the ice with this heat. As the ice melt works through the ice, its own temperature slowly decreases. This means that after a certain point, the ice melt’s concentration is reduced, leaving the freezing point of water to increase again. Add more ice melt to power through the ice and keep the freezing point low to combat this. It won’t rapidly speed up the process, but this will continue fighting against the ice
Different Types of Ice Melt
There are two basic types of ice melt: sodium chloride-based or magnesium chloride-based. Sodium chloride-based ice melt, or rock salt, is the least expensive and effective at freezing temperatures. Rock salt loses its melting ability below 20 F. It is safe on asphalt but is very damaging to concrete surfaces. Rock salt can also damage plants or grass near the application sites.
Magnesium chloride-based ice melt is very effective at colder temperatures, is safer to use on concrete, and causes much less plant damage. They are also more expensive per pound, but you will use less because it’s more effective. Lehnhoff’s Supply carries both Bulk Rock Salt and Magnesium Blended Sidewalk Salts.
Pros and Cons of Different Ice Melts
Magnesium Chloride
Pros
- Since Magnesium Chloride is exothermic, it works well in colder temperatures.
- Since Magnesium Chloride is also hygroscopic (water-attracting), the action is fast.
- Magnesium Chloride is less corrosive and slightly more plant-friendly than calcium chloride or sodium chloride.
- Magnesium Chloride is more eco-friendly than some chlorides.
Cons
- Since Magnesium Chloride is salt-based and contains chlorides, it is corrosive.
Rock Salt
Sodium chloride can come in the form of rock salt or solar salt. These two types have the same chemical makeup, but they are made by different processes:
- Rock salt comes from salt mines and is not as pure as solar salt.
- Since an evaporation process makes solar salt, it is of much higher quality than rock salt.
Pros
- Rock salt is the most common ice melt because it is the least expensive. It’s even more affordable in the brine form than in the solid state. Solar salt is, however, more costly than rock salt.
Cons
- Rock salt is hard on plants and is not environmentally friendly.
- Since Rock salt is endothermic (drawing heat from its surroundings), it is less effective in frigid temperatures.
- Rock Salt is corrosive and leaves behind a white, powdery residue.
Questions? Lehnhoff’s Supply is Here to Help
If you still have more questions about ice melt, 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, X – Twitter, and Pinterest!
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