The Dos and Dont’s of Proper Ice Melt Application
October is here and many snow and ice contractors are starting their preparation for the winter season. Forecasters are predicting a snowy winter, much snowier than last year’s. If this prediction is true, contractors should start preparing now. Valley Green has always been a supplier of ice melt products. You can see the selection here. If you want to get the best return on investment, you have to use your ice melt products wisely. Because the winter season is coming, our article this week will be on the dos and dont’s of proper ice melt application.
The Dos and Dont’s of Proper Ice Melt Application
Do: Apply the ice melt safely. Always follow the application instructions and use the proper personal protection equipment when spreading it. Take into account where the ice melt is placed. Try to refrain from applying it where pets walk frequently. Never touch any type of ice melt with your bare hands!
Don’t: Apply too much ice melt. Piling on the salt will not speed up the melting time. Applying too much ice melt can result in many other problems such as environmental damage, excess salt being tracked inside buildings, and ice melt being wasted. A rule of thumb is to use a half cup of ice melt per square yard. Each ice melt product is different though so be sure to read the application measurements.
Do: Use the right kind of ice melt. There are actually several types of ice melt that serve different purposes. Some ice melts have different melting points and need to be used in accordance to the temperature. Magnesium Chloride is better for colder weather in January and February. Rock salt is better for warmer late fall and early spring temperatures.
Don’t: Track the ice melt into buildings. The residue is unsightly and harmful to floors. If tracked in on carpeting, ice melt can actually lead to dry rot issues. If you track in calcium and magnesium chloride, it can leave an oily residue that can damage hardwood floors. If ice melt residue is tracked in often, keep cleaning supplies readily available so it can be taken care of before it causes damage.