There is something very magical about looking out on a snowy winter day and seeing snow covering all as far as the eye can see. But, it can become a nuisance when you need to leave your home.
Snow and ice can cover up your driveways and walkways, making it unsafe to walk on or take out the car. Continuous freeze-thaw cycles during the winter can actually damage your asphalt pavement, which already becomes more brittle during very low temperatures.
Snow is soft and can be shoveled or blown away, but compacted ice on your driveway (and your roof) can be problematic as it is hard and slippery and can basically turn your driveway into a skating rink.
The best way to clear up that stubborn ice and melt snow is by using an ice melt solution.
How does ice melt work?
Ice melts lower the freezing temperature of the water. This makes the ice melt and prevents it from refreezing and freezing in the first place. Depending on the different types of ice melts used, the freezing temperature can be lowered to different points.
Rock salt is the most common type of ice melt we know. However, there are many others too, especially if the temperatures go very low and rock salt is not effective anymore. Do note that rock salt is also not the cheapest or most nature-friendly option.
Before choosing one though, it is essential to know what it is made up of and if it is safe to use on asphalt pavement so it doesn’t damage it. Asphalt is stronger than concrete and not as easily damaged, but you still need to check. Some types of ice melts agents can even be dangerous for pets and plants, so you’d need to consider those things too.
Top 4 Ice Melt Products For Asphalt
Here are the top 4 ice melts that won’t damage your asphalt.
HARRIS Safe Melt Pet Friendly Ice and Snow Melter
Harris Safe melt is pet-safe, eco-friendly (won’t harm your plants), and not so corrosive like other chloride compounds. This ice melt product comes in the form of round pellets and can be spread easily. It's approved by the Organic Minerals Research Institute OMRI. You can use it on any asphalt surfaces and it also won't corrode concrete as other products.
Green Gobbler Pet Safe Ice Melt Fast Acting Treatment
Green Gobbler ice melt is Magnesium Chloride based and very fast and effective. It melts ice at temperatures as low as -10 degrees F. It is much less toxic than calcium chloride or rock salt (sodium chloride). It will not harm plants either and its pellet form is great to use in spreaders. The Green Gobbler Ice Melt is one of the more environmentally friendly choices.
Snow Joe MELT10CC-J Melt Calcium Chloride Crystals Ice Melter Jug
Snow Joe MELT10CC-J is calcium chloride unlike the others. Whereas Green Gobbler was effective up till -10 degree F, this one goes all the way to -25 degree F! So if temperatures are very low around your place, this is maybe the best product option for you. It's very quick and spreading it once can last you an entire day. It does not boast to being the most pet or plant-friendly ice melt but it won’t stick to your shoes.
PELLETS OF FIRE Calcium Chloride Ice Melt
This is one of the best ice melt options that's Calcium Chloride based. It's very fast-acting and effective on any surface and goes as low as -25 degrees F. It's safe for plants and won't damage concrete either! Although if you do have pets, the other options might be a better choice. Overall, it does an excellent job at protecting the structural integrity of your pavement during the winter months.
Ice Melts Compounds For Asphalt
These 3 ice melt compounds are a perfect choice for spreading them on your asphalt driveway.
Calcium Chloride - This is one of the most popular compounds on the market and comes in different forms like pellets and crystals. It acts very fast and is good for temperatures as low as -25 degrees F. Even if temperatures drop very low, your asphalt will most likely be well-protected. It can cause depressions in concrete but it's good for an asphalt driveway or sidewalk .
Magnesium Chloride - Magnesium Chloride is just as effective but it only works for temperatures down till -5 degrees F. It is less corrosive, more nature friendly, and will also not damage concrete unless used for a long time.
Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA) - Calcium Magnesium Acetate combines the best of both worlds. Not only is it effective, but it is also good for temperatures as low as -25 F and it will not damage your asphalt at all. It is used by the US road maintenance systems on highways. It is the least corrosive of all and, apart from asphalt, can even be used on concrete without any worries. Plus it’s also eco-friendly!
