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Showing posts from September, 2021

How Much Ice Melt Should You Use?

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We all know how ice melt affects our environment and vegetation. Whether it is rock salt or potassium chloride ice melt, we have several products used by residential and commercial establishments today. While each product has specific properties, some are more harmful than others, thus damaging our environment and concrete in several ways. The most frequently asked question is how much ice melt one should use before stepping out of your home. Whether it is Safe Paw ice melter 35 lbs/pail or rock salt or a blend of ice melt, each has a specific quantity you must use to protect the surface and build traction. New concrete is susceptible to damage, and hence one must be careful while spreading any ice melt. Cured concrete that is over a year old can still withstand the harshness of the blends. The Dos And Don’ts Of Using Ice Melt:  1. You should use ice melt as per the instructions on the cover or the jar. For example,  Safe Paw ice melter 35 lbs/pail comes with detailed instructions...

Ultimate Guide To Buying An Ice Melt

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There are a variety of ice melt products available in the market for different needs. Some come in the form of a liquid formula, while others come in pellets or granules. Some are developed for use around pets and children, while others are made for specific surfaces or climates. Investing in ice melt is a long term commitment. Therefore we have come up with a comprehensive guide to help you choose the best one. 1. Research Online For The Product Go through the product website and research different ice melt brands. Read online reviews, read testimonials, and watch videos. You’ll find that most of the reviews are in favor of natural salt free ice melt. Safe Paw is one such product that is salt-free, natural ice melt and is better for the environment and animals. This ice melt is also safe to use on asphalt driveways and pathways.  Unlike most ice melters, Safe Paw is safe for pets and concrete, brick, and other hard surfaces. There is no salt in it, not even rock salt.  Get ...

7 Things To Get Your Car Ready For Winter

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No-starts, frozen doors, and windows, engine freeze-up, and accidents are real threats in winter. For those harsh winter months, you need to take some precautions to keep your car safe.  Yes, it will take some time and effort but it’s worth it. Getting your car ready for winter can not only help you avoid a breakdown or accident, but it will also save you money on maintenance and gas.  Many people think that they can easily get away with winter woes by simply spreading salt or a chemical-based ice melt. However, it’s far from an ideal solution.  Here are a few areas where a little extra winter attention might be beneficial.  1- Check Battery Car batteries have a short life. If you haven’t changed your car battery in a while, it may be worn out, and the cold weather may make it uncooperative. You can also buy a battery tester for long term use. 2. Replace Fluids Before the cold winter temperatures arrive, you need to check and change six fluids. Brake system flu...

Homemade Ice Melt Vs Safe Paw For Concrete

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You may find several snow-melting products to keep your driveway clear all winter. However, if you’re looking for ice melt that won’t damage concrete, then you have to be selective.  Not every ice melt available in the market is safe for your kids, pets, and concrete.  But the good news is that some natural ice melt is available in the market that is salt-free and suitable for your concrete. These salt melts are awarded for being safe for people, pets, and the environment as well.  Homemade Ice Melt Let’s first discuss homemade ice melt and its pros and cons. Alfalfa Meal  This is a widely used fertilizer and an environmentally friendly and pet-friendly deicer for your concrete driveway. However, the biggest con with Alfalfa is that it attracts rodents and wildlife. Kitty Litter  Kitty litter is believed to be an ice melter by some. However, it only adds traction. A small amount of it scattered around is sufficient to add traction to your concrete drivewa...

Ice Melt That Won't Damage Concrete

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The ineffectiveness of using rock salt to melt ice is now widely accepted. Homeowners begin looking for ice melters that are safe for concrete, roads, and roofs as the winter months approach. Here’s The Problem With Chemical-Based Ice Melt Rock salt or sodium chloride is the most common element in ice melt. It attacks the metal rebar within the concrete. It is equally damaging to the plants, soil, animals, and groundwater in the surrounding area.  Calcium chloride creates an oily layer on the surface, discoloring the concrete. Other dangerous ice melt chemicals include magnesium chloride, ammonium nitrate, and ammonium sulfate. These chemicals damage the concrete and cause scaling and pop-outs. Calcium magnesium acetate tends to leave a slush behind, making your new concrete more susceptible to freeze-thaw damage.  Potassium Chloride- Ice melter ingredients like potassium chloride is slow as compared with other ice melters. It will neither prevent slips or falls nor will it clear sn...

3 Ways Safe Paw Protects Your Concrete

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When ice melts, it causes a chemical process that produces heat, melting the ice and snow. It also lowers the water’s refreezing temperature, preventing the freeze-thaw cycle. When ice melts and thaws, it seeps into the pores of your concrete. The refreezing and expansion of concrete can result in scaling, spalling, popouts, and even fissures. In the spring, this damage will necessitate pricey repairs. Therefore, it becomes an utmost necessity to get a concrete safe ice melter. Using concrete safe ice melter is the greatest way to ensure that your concrete does not develop cracks or flakes. You can use a deicer that is salt-free and chloride-free. 3 Ways Safe Paw Protects Your Concrete 1. Gentle on Concrete They are gentle on the concrete because they do not include corrosives or salts. They are as effective when used at low temperatures.  Safe Paw is a paw safe salt that is non-toxic and chemical-free ice melt. Chloride is present in most ice melting salts in one form or a...