Granular Ice Melt – Ices Worst Enemy!

Granular Ice Melt – Ices Worst Enemy!

Granular Ice Melt is uniquely effective in remediating the presence and the ever-present danger of ice on your property. No Ice Melt comes without warnings, but there are some forms that are kinder and gentler on our companion animals, our gardens and our grass.

At BSS we have chosen an excellent alternative to basic rock salt. It is Magnesium Chloride.

Why do we choose to use Magnesium Chloride Granular Ice Melt at BSS?

Granular Ice Melt serves a very real and present safety solution for the accumulation of ice in traffic areas that can become dangerous (ie. stairs, sloped walkways, handicapped zones, etc).  It is the most effective solution for ridding these areas of ice and helping the snow and water evaporate to prevent future ice from forming.

When used as directed, magnesium chloride offers a de-icing solution that has the following benefits:

• It is effective down to (-27) degrees.
• It can be handled safely with bare hands
• It is more less harmful to pets, wildlife, plants than other salt products*
• It helps prevent the ice from sticking to pavement

Here’s how the Granular Ice Melt Works:

1. The granular nature of the product gives grit and grip to the icy area.
2. The reaction that occurs between the ice and the granules does the following:

• • It works to melt the ice
  • It creates more surface area for the air and sun to melt and evaporate the water
  • The length of time it takes for the individual granules to dissipate allows it to penetrate even hard packed ice to break it up.
  • It is a tremendous tool for creating safe and clear walkways and designated zones.

OK great, what about Pets? 

This is not a terribly complicated question but there are nuances to the answer.  Any substance, in inappropriate amounts is unsafe for our pets.  For example, if your dog was to eat too much of its medicine – the dog will have issues related to its ingestion because the quantity of medicine is excessive and abnormal.

Similarly, Granular Ice Melt is a salt that when distributed on a walkway is relatively safe.  If your dog seeks out the salty taste and was to ingest larger amounts, there could be symptoms or a reaction.

Can your dog walk across areas that have had granular ice melt applied? We recommend walking around the area, but if your dog does walk across a treated area, brush off their feet and make sure that no granules are present within their paws. This will minimize their exposure.

What about its impact on Concrete?

At BSS, from our experience, we recommend not using ice melt for the first two years after new concrete has been installed and fully cured.  The impact of de-icing on concrete walkways and areas is highly dependent on a range of variables, such as the concrete quality, mixing, finishing, curing and the porosity of the concrete, etc.  Because of these variables – the owner of the property assumes all risk of loss or damage arising from the use, handling or the effects thereof.  At BSS the Magnesium Chloride we use, minimizes the thaw/refreeze/thaw cycle that can damage cement.  This is due to the depth of the products effective range being (-27) degrees.

Conclusion

Granular Ice Melt is an effective solution for de-icing your property’s walkways, parking areas, etc.  Considering the safety of your family and/or your clients this material is often a non-negotiable part of your strategy for snow and ice remediation.  Please reach out to someone at BSS to discuss this in greater depth if you have any questions or concerns.

For more information about the product BSS has selected for Granular Ice Melt – Click HERE.

For information of all the Services that BSS offers – Click HERE.

* When used as directed.