Ice removal, after a surprise ice storm or heavy snowstorm, is hard enough as it is. It is even harder when you're not prepared for it, or when you're not equipped with the right tools. Most people that live in regions that get annual snowstorms or ice storms are only prepared with the basic tools:  a snow shovel or a snowblower.  Many, however, do not have a professional ice melt at their disposal or don't know what they should be looking for when selecting one. This quick guide will explain what you need to choose the right professional ice melter for your concrete, driveway, or pathway -  and tell you how to best prepare yourself for this winter.

If you already know enough about ice removal, then click here to purchase a professional ice melter today. Otherwise, continue reading to discover how to best remove snow in the ice your driveway.

Heavy snow removal is still a must.

You may not like to hear this, but you still have to remove snow from your driveway, pathway, or deck -  before you're able to de-ice it.  This can be done with a conventional shovel, or a snowblower for larger areas and persistent snowstorms. Applying a professional ice melt, or any ice melt to a snowed-in area will render it less effective. Any form of ice melt needs to come in contact with the ice, for it to work effectively. While the ice melt will melt the snow, by the time it reaches the ice below it would have been rendered ineffective.

Pick an ice melt that prevents re-freezing.

We all know that ice and snow do not affect all regions equally. This is why it's important to pick an ice melt that will work in all regions, all the time.  Ice is formed on your driveways, pathways, and patios through several cycles of freeze and thaw. During the first snowstorm, some of the snow will melt, leaving a pool of water on the surfaces. When the temperature drops at night, this water freezes and creates a thin sheet of ice. If not properly treated, this ice can lead to slips and falls. This is why we recommend calcium chloride as a deicer. It works down to below -25 degrees Fahrenheit and will prevent a refreeze. Because of such a low refreezing point, calcium chloride is less likely to solidify and ice over, even when temperatures drop significantly. Resistance to refreezing is one of the most important properties in a professional ice melter.

Choose a professional ice melter that is also safe for plants.

Conventional ice melting products are comprised of either sodium chloride or potassium chloride. Over-application of these sodium and potassium products can lead to a toxic accumulation of sodium in the soil leading to damage to grass, plants, and nearby streams and ponds. Calcium chloride, however, has the added benefit of being substantially less harmful to the surrounding environment. Calcium is an important macro element in plant nutrition, and any excess ice melt will be utilized by the grass and the surrounding plants.

Calcium chloride ice melt will not stain carpets.

We often find that after we apply the de-icer, the salt residue will be stuck to our shoes and boots. Once we go inside the salt gets dragged into the carpet, binding to the fibers and staining the entrance. Due to the natural properties of calcium chloride, and the lower application rate needed to achieve the same results, you can rest assured that your carpets and your walkways will be less stained through the application. This guarantees less cleaning inside once you've done the job outside.

If you have more questions or want to purchase a professional ice melter, click here now.