De-Icing Agents: What Product is the Best For Use?

We are often asked about de-icing and what is recommended. There are several products to consider when choosing de-icing agents, Sodium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Magnesium Chloride, and Acetates are just a few.

When addressing which product to use, attention needs to be given to product effectiveness, potential of remedial damage to  trees, grasses and bedding plants, and water runoff into these areas as well as,  streams, ponds and water ways. Also, considerations must be given to deterioration and corrosive effects of these agents on concrete, asphalt, metals and other building products they will be in contact with.

The most commonly used agents are sodium chloride and calcium chloride.

Sodium Chloride (rock salt) (NaCl):  The most commonly used de-icing agent.

Benefits: It is the most inexpensive and abundant of the products available. 

Challenges: : It loses effectiveness in extreme temperatures (less than 15-20° F); not as effective if applied before a freeze or snow fall; it can burn plants and beddings and build up in water ways; corrosive to concrete and metals; leaves a white, salt residue that can be tracked into buildings.

Calcium Chloride (CaCl₂):  Sits closely behind salt in use as an ice melting agent. 

Benefits: It can be effective to temperatures as low as -25 ° F; effective when applied prior snow fall; less damaging to plants, beddings and water ways then rock salt; no salt residue. 

Challenges: Cost of the product can be double or even triple the cost of rock salt; can have negative impact on plants and beddings. It is corrosive to metals.

Some of the lesser-used de-icing agents include Magnesium Chloride, and Acetates. 

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂):  Similar to calcium chloride. 

Benefits: It can be effective to temperatures as low as -15 ° F; effective when applied prior snow fall; less damaging to plants, beddings then rock salt or Calcium Chloride.

Challenges: Cost can be found in range with calcium chloride; however, product coverage is significantly less than the calcium chloride. High phosphorous levels make this a significantly poor choice if runoff will enter waterways.

Acetates:  Including calcium magnesium acetate (CaMg₂(CH₃COO)₆), potassium acetate (CH₃COOK), and sodium acetate (CH₃COONa); are salt-free.  

Benefits: Do not cause damage to vegetation, concrete or metals; effective when temperatures are below 0°F; may be combined with other compounds to reduce the corrosive potential.  

Challenges: High cost. 

Note: Concrete: New concrete is especially susceptible to damage from salt.  It is recommended that salts not be used on concrete for the first winter after installation. Sand is often applied instead to provide traction. 

Note: Landscaping: Agents safest for landscaping are often expensive and not budget sensitive. Therefore, other products are used, so preventive actions may be required to protect sensitive areas. Some simple protective actions: Protect foliage burlap or other protective wrap, to protect from over spray; Lessen turf damage by applying gypsum before winter. 

Each product has benefits and challenges to consider as it applies to the needs of the property. As always, the best ways to prevent damages is to plan for and prepare the landscaping, with consideration of the de-icing agents and the potential impact from areas near walks, steps, landings, lots, and roadways.