Winter season can be a tough time of the year, especially for property owners. When snow piles up, most homeowners quickly start thinking about how to keep their sidewalks and driveways clear. This is where deicing products come into play. These products are designed to melt away snow and ice, making it easier to walk, drive and move around outside. However, with so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for your needs. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at driveway and sidewalk deicing products, their pros, and cons.
Types of Deicing Products
There are several types of deicing products available, including salt, sand, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, urea, and potassium chloride. Salt, commonly known as rock salt, is the most preferred option. It’s affordable and the most effective. However, it can be harmful to pets, plants, and the environment. Sand is another alternative to rock salt but doesn’t melt ice, but rather adds traction to slippery surfaces. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride can melt ice down to minus forty degrees Celsius. Urea is mostly used in agriculture but can be effective for deicing, and it’s eco-friendly. Potassium chloride, on the other hand, is a less toxic option but can be expensive.
Pros of Deicing Products
Deicing products comes with numerous advantages. First, they can save your time and energy by clearing walkways and driveways of snow and ice, which would have otherwise been laborious and time-consuming to shovel. Additionally, they can help prevent slips and falls, which can cause injuries and sometimes fatal accidents. Deicing products also helps preserve the integrity of the concrete or asphalt pavement without damaging it or wearing it out. Lastly, they help promote the good condition of your tires and shoes, which can be ruined by rough or icy surfaces.
Cons of Deicing Products
Whereas deicing products may seem like the best option, it’s essential to also look at their downsides. Overusing salt can damage the pavement, lawn, pets, plants, and even cars. Repeated use of salt can corrode metal surfaces. This results in faster rusting and damage to vehicles as well as metallic doors and windows on your property. Additionally, it poses a risk to pets that may ingest it, causing several health problems. Usage of sand can reduce the quality of the walkway and driveway. Besides, it can build up in storm drains, making it challenging to clean. Lastly, some of the deicing products, such as calcium and magnesium chloride, are relatively expensive.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, deicing products are a convenient way to deal with winter weather. But, it’s vital to understand their pros and cons before settling on a particular one. Always choose a product that matches your needs and requirements. Ensure also to follow the recommended usage instructions to avoid damage to the environment and your property. Sand, salt, and calcium chloride come with their advantages and disadvantages, and it’s ultimately up to you to choose what works best for you. To sum it up, always use a deicing product in moderation and be sure to use appropriate protective gear during application.