Ice Melt

Considering most people in our area are dealing with ice in one way or another, I found a good article that answers 20 questions about ice melt products.  The old stand-by is of course "rock salt" or Halite, which is mostly Sodium Chloride.  This is the same salt you have on your kitchen table, in an unsanitary form.  It is the cheapest to buy pound for pound, but not necessarily the cheapest to use.  This is because other salt (chloride containing compounds) products may deliver more heat when applied to an icy surface, so you may use less to get the desired result.  Also, different products will work in colder temperatures than others.  Different products now offer blends of several salts to get the benefits of each, such as lower working temperature, longer lasting heat, and less harmful to plants.  A problem with  many ice melt products is their potential to "burn" the grass and shrubbery around the area of use.  Heavy and repeated applications of ice melt products can also damage the surface they are placed on, particularly concrete.  Some concrete surfaces may "pop" or "defoliate" due to the sudden application of heat and quick refreezing.   Some people get around that problem by using either sand or grit to make the ice less slippery, and the sand or grit will not harm you lawn or shrubs. For more info, you might check out the article, (Click Here). Either way, be safe out there, especially when applying the product.  Safety glasses and gloves are recommended, and don't slip on the ice you are trying to melt.