CHOOSING A DE-ICER

When choosing a de-icer it is important to check with the manufacturer for chemical content and application guidelines. There are at least six different de-icing chemicals on the market today, each varying in their effectiveness. Consider your operation and the characteristics of each,to select the best de-icer.

All de-icers can harm vegetation if not used properly. However, some contain urea and potassium chloride fertilizers which cause less damage to the vegetation and soil. These melters are less effective for melting ice and snow.

While ice melters do not directly damage pavement, they can cause chipping or flaking of low-grade pavement, during a freeze-thaw cycle. When choosing a de-icer it is also important to check chemical ingredients and manufacturers' warnings, as some products can cause damage to carpets and flooring if tracked in on the surface.