How to Choose the Right Ice Melt for Any Job

As you know, de-icers come in many forms, made up of various types of chemical compounds — each with different pros and cons. Some work at varying temperatures and have different side effects, while some de-icers work best on different surfaces, like wood, concrete, metal, and roofing.

Whether it's for a municipality, a small business, or a large business that services commercial properties, each niche needs a specific type of de-icer. But which one? Don’t stress! At Ninja De-Icer, we offer high-quality bulk rock salt, bagged ice melts, liquid de-icers, and more to customers across the country. In this article, we'll help you decide what type is the right choice for you.

Is Ice Melting Endothermic or Exothermic?

The melting process of ice can be either exothermic or endothermic, depending on its chemical composition. Depending on your climate, one option may be preferable over the other. In any case, both are safe when used correctly.

Exothermic Ice Melt

Exothermic products containing calcium chloride are the perfect solution for extremely cold climates. When it comes in contact with water, this type of product releases heat, making it effective even at temperatures as low as -25°F. Magnesium chloride and other natural ice melt blends are also exothermic.

Endothermic Ice Melt

Endothermic products are a great choice for climates with milder winters, as they contain sodium chloride which absorbs heat from the atmosphere, melting pesky ice and snow. Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) and potassium acetate are also endothermic.

Different Types of Ice Melt

There are various types of ice melt to choose from, but which one should you pick? Here we've outlined the 6 most common types of ice melt and ranked them from highest to lowest in terms of their minimum effective melting temperature.

It is important to note that the lowest effective temperature may vary by manufacturer. Additionally, some compounds offer other benefits such as being less corrosive or having a lower environmental impact.

CMA Ice Melt

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) is a great alternative to traditional road salt for de-icing. It is free of sodium, nitrogen, and chloride, making it much more environmentally friendly than other products, perfect for parks, landscaping, and areas near natural habitats.

CMA does not create a brine, so it can be used more effectively for de-icing. Additionally, CMA ice melt is less corrosive than salt, meaning that it won't damage concrete or other surfaces as quickly.

Pros of CMA:

• Less corrosive than traditional de-icers
• Biodegradable
• Non-toxic to plants and animals
• Concrete safe

Cons of CMA:

• More expensive than other types of de-icers
• Only works at temperatures above 15 degrees Fahrenheit

Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)

Rock salt is the most common snow and ice management product, though it isn't classified as an ice melt. It only costs about $4.05 per 50 lb bag and melts snow and ice most effectively above 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but can work down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. As far as de-icers go, rock salt is fairly slow, and leaves behind a powdery residue when it dries.

Pros of rock salt:

• Cost-effective
• Effective on most surfaces
• Can be used for roadways, parking lots, concrete driveways, and walkways

Cons of rock salt:

• Toxic to wildlife if overused

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is a popular choice for ice and snow melt products due to its effectiveness and minimal environmental impact. It can be used in temperatures as low as -20°F and is less corrosive than rock salt, making it safer for plants and pets. Here are some of the pros and cons of using magnesium chloride for melting ice.

Pros of magnesium chloride:

• Melts ice quickly and effectively
• Safer for plants and pets
• Less corrosive than rock salt
• More environmentally friendly

Cons of magnesium chloride:

• Can be more expensive than other options

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Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is a chemical compound that has many uses, including de-icing roads and sidewalks. While calcium chloride has its advantages, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered before using it.

Pros of calcium chloride:

• Melts ice quickly and effectively at very low temperatures (down to -25°F)
• Less damaging to concrete surfaces than rock salt

Cons of calcium chloride:

• More expensive than rock salt/sodium chloride
• Can cause corrosion in metal structures over time
• Can cause skin irritation if handled without proper safety precautions

Potassium Acetate

Potassium acetate is an effective deicing agent commonly used in environments requiring rapid ice removal and minimal environmental impact. This deicer is often applied in sensitive areas like airport runways, parking structures, and bridges, where corrosion prevention is a priority.

Pros of potassium acetate:

• It works efficiently in temperatures as low as -26°F due to its low eutectic point, making it ideal for extreme cold conditions
• Less corrosive to metals and concrete

Cons of potassium acetate:

• Can be expensive compared to other deicers
• It may still cause damage to vegetation and pose environmental concerns if not used carefully

bulk-ice-control-salt

Traditional Bulk Salt

lightning-premium-ice-melter

Lightning Premium Ice Melter 50 Lbs Bag

Starting at $6.21 (per bag)

sizzle-professional-rock-salt

Sizzle Premium Ice Melter 50 Lbs Bag

Starting at $7.36 (per bag)

potassium-acetate-liquid-deicer

Potassium Acetate Runway De-Icer

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Ice Melt

Now that you know all about the different kinds of deicers offered, decide what is the best ice melt for your property. Look at how low the temperatures will be reaching and consider the effective temperature of the de-icer you are using. You don't want to be stuck with a deicer that won't melt the ice and snow at the temperature it is going to drop to. It is also important to look at the property, and how much vegetation there is. Weigh if it is worth damaging the landscaping for a specific deicer.

It is also important to consider safety conditions. Consider that different deicers melt ice at different speeds. If you are going to have people driving or walking on your property right when the ice is forming, consider using a faster deicer. You want to make sure they are as safe as possible and don't slip and fall.

Price

When it comes to ice melt, there are a variety of options available. Different manufacturers offer different compounds, each with their own unique ingredients and price points. Some ice melts may be more expensive than others, so it's important to do your research before making a purchase.

Environmental Effect

When choosing ice melt products, consider the environment. Different chemicals in ice melts can have varying effects on plants, animals, waterways, concrete, and metal. Always follow usage instructions to minimize risks and ensure safe, effective application.

Residual Action

The chemical composition of ice melt plays an important role in how long it will provide de-icing action after application. Liquid ice melts, though more expensive, offer longer residual action compared to solid forms. This can lead to fewer applications and reduced labor, making them a cost-effective choice for longer-lasting de-icing.

Melting Point

The lowest melting point is the temperature at which an ice melt will be most effective. Ice melts can be used at temperatures as low as -25°F, however, some are only effective down to 15°F.

In extremely cold temperatures, exothermic ice melts are more effective. Endothermic ice melts work better in moderately cold temperatures such as 15°F and above since it needs to draw heat energy from its surroundings in order to dissolve.

Ice Melt Form and Shape

Ice melts are available in both solid and liquid forms. Solid ice melt works by creating a brine that breaks the ice's bond with surfaces, while liquid ice melt is used as a pretreatment to prevent snow and ice from sticking.

What Is the Best Ice Melt Option for Me?

Choosing the right ice melt depends on your specific commercial needs. Our team at Ninja De-Icer has put together a quick guide to help you select the best option:

• Areas with plants and animals: Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) or Magnesium Chloride
• Runways and airports: Potassium Acetate
• Parking lots and sidewalks: Sodium Chloride, or Calcium Chloride
• General use in cold climates: Calcium or Magnesium Chloride
• General use in mild climates: Sodium Chloride or CMA
• Budget-conscious option: Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)
• Preventative application: Liquid De-Icer

Find the Right Ice Melt for Your Needs at Ninja De-Icer!

When choosing an ice melt, consider its cost, melting process, effectiveness in your region, and potential environmental effects.

At Ninja De-Icer, we offer a variety of products to handle even the toughest ice and snow winter throws at you. Don't wait until it's too late – get a quote now to get the right ice melt for your property!