How can I choose the best deicing salt?
winter months usually bring low temperatures, snow and ice. As a result, people bold elements to burst snow and remove ice to have a clean driveway and safe sidewalks. Many people spread the crushing of salt to melt the ice or to prevent it. People can choose from four main types of deicing salts: sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, calcium chloride, potassium chloride and magnesium chloride. When choosing the best deicing salt, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of the cost of each salt, usable temperature and environmental effects.
sodium chloride, also known as rock salt, is the most commonly used deicing salt because it is widely available and the cheapest of deicing salts. Other advantages of rock salt are that it is easy to apply and does not damage concrete. The disadvantage, however, is that rock salt does not melt ice when the temperature drops below 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius). In addition, it can be rocky -sulfurosity on metals and can damage grass and trees. WhenThe rock salt dissolves, releases a large amount of chloride ions that can contribute to pollution in streams, rivers and lakes.
potassium chloride, perhaps best known for its role in the production of fertilizer, can also be used as a deicing salt. This salt usually does not harm vegetation when used correctly and does not irritate the skin as other deicing salts can. Like rock salt, however, potassium chloride is only effective when the temperature is above 15 degrees Fahrenheit (-9 degrees Celsius), but for twice the cost. Potassium chloride is usually combined with other chemicals to melt the ice at lower temperatures. It can also pollute groundwater with chlorine it releases.
calcium chloride is more expensive than rock salt, but this salt is a popular option in colder climate. Calcium chloride produces exothermic reaction so it can melt snow and ice at -25 degrees Fahrenheitand (-32 degrees Celsius). This salt is safer to use around vegetation, but can irritate damp skin. Another disadvantage is that the high concentration of calcium chloride can damage concrete. It carries environmental risks similar to the risks of other salts.
magnesium chloride is very similar to calcium chloride. Magnesium chloride can melt snow and ice at -15 degrees Fahrenheit (-26 degrees Celsius) and produce the smallest amount of chlorine of common deicing salts, although it still pose a risk of contamination for the surrounding water. Compared to calcium chloride, it is considered to be less corrosive and less harmful to vegetation, but these benefits come up with higher financial costs.