Hi, I'm Vance, and welcome back to Spec Sense.
It's winter, that magical season where you have to expect the unexpected.
With heavy snow to freezing rain, ice can build up quickly
and can become a major safety hazard.
Most cities require home and business owners to clear the walkways within
24 hours of a snowfall. Failure to do so could leave you with a fine.
Fortunately, using ice melter can help you keep your walkways clear and safe.
Today I'll show you how to effectively apply ice melter,
and explain the differences between each type of salt.
First, remove the snow directly after the snowfall before the snow gets compacted.
This will limit how much ice forms.
Always follow the directions on the label, as each product is different.
Now overall, it's recommended to use roughly 100 grams
per square meter or a 1/2 cup per square yard.
Even eco-friendly products can be harmful if overused, so only use what is needed.
If possible, choose a colored ice melt,
as it'll be easier to so see if the area is covered evenly.
You can spread the salt by hand but using a ice melt spreader is most consistent.
After the ice melt starts working, remove the slush before it has a chance to refreeze.
This will save your concrete and make your job easier overall.
In a lot of cases you'll find that small amounts of ice are easy to remove if addressed immediately.
Not every ice melter works the same.
A lot of products will have a mix of a few common ingredients.
Sodium Chloride or Rock salt is no different than table salt
and it's the least expensive option out there.
Sodium Chloride is endothermic.
Now, as it dissolves it absorbs heat.
It doesn't actually melt ice, it simply lowers the freezing point of water,
and is only effective down to about -7°C.
Since its slow acting and less effective, rock salt alone tends to be overused.
This is a problem as it can damage concrete, corrode metal and is harmful to plants.
Calcium Chloride is one of the most effective, and fast acting ice melters available.
In addition to lowering the freezing point of water, calcium chloride actively melts ice.
When combined with water, calcium chloride reacts exothermically.
Now this means it releases heat and can melt ice in temperatures as low as -30°C.
When used properly, calcium chloride is less damaging to concrete,
and is generally safe for plants and grass.
But make sure you wear gloves when handling though, as It can burn and irritate skin.
Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride are 2 environmentally friendly ice melters.
These are safer around pets and are a little less harmful to lawns and gardens.
Generally potassium and magnesium chloride
are mixed with other compounds to increase their effectiveness.
They are less common and a more expensive.
By staying prepared and using ice melt effectively,
you can easily keep your walkways clear and safe this winter.
Now if you liked this and want to see more tutorials and
informational videos, then subscribe to our channel.
And if you need help, you can always call or visit an AMRE location
to talk with out knowledgeable staff.
Thanks for watching.