Which Deicer is Best for You?
With colder weather approaching, it’s important to know your options when it comes to picking the best deicer for your family and home. There’s a wide variety of products on the market and one size does not fit all. Here’s a list of products to consider before you go to the store:
- Calcium Chloride: the most effective in lower temperatures (lowest melting point -25°F). While less expensive than sodium acetate, it is more expensive than other compounds. When it comes in contact with snow or ice, it attracts moisture to create a liquid solution that lowers the freezing point of water and produces heat, which causes the ice to melt. It is one of the fastest acting ice melts and tolerates the colder temperatures. If you need to use deicer on a large area of concrete (i.e. driveway, patio, or stairs) this is a good choice.
- Sodium Chloride – Liquid: is a salt and water mixture that can be easily applied and won’t blow away like rock salt. Because it has significantly less salt than rock salt, it is better for the environment. It works best when applied before snowfall or storms. But remember, the more diluted the solution, the higher the freezing point.
- Sodium Chloride – Rock Salt: it’s inexpensive and the most widely used. It is corrosive to metals and can leave behind a powdery white residue. If too much accumulates, it will kill plants and vegetation.
- Magnesium Chloride: this product is more expensive than other deicer, but less corrosive and better for the environment than calcium chloride or sodium chloride. It is a naturally occurring salt that lowers the freezing point of water.
- Sodium Acetate: one of the most environmentally and biodegradable options on the market. While it is the most expensive, it has a longer residual effect, which keeps you from having to reapply as often.
It’s always important to do your research before applying any chemicals to your property. You may see some products contain more than one chemical compound and knowing what they are and how they work is ideal for choosing the right product for your needs.
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"I recently had my basement fixed by Spartan after a pipe leaked and the team that I dealt with was so amazing, thorough and kind. The reconstruction team that came in did excellent work and if we have any future problems with any pipes or leaks we will definitely be using Spartan again. Highly recommend this company."
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"With the mess that we had and the damage done to our home, working with Taylor and Brad , we always felt we were in good hands. They both are genuinely good people who saw our issues and acted in way they would if it was their own home. They stayed professional and went above and beyond for our family in a time of absolute need and uncertainty. We can’t thank them enough for giving us our home back."