02/12/2025
With snow in the forecast let’s talk about ice melt and your decorative concrete
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be informed about Ice Melt
With winter, snow and ice on the way, it's important to know the facts!
ARTcrete Finishing Ltd. We challenged the makers and Here is the response from Alaskan Ice Melt:
translation: NEVER USE ON CONCRETE!
response:
Premier Tech Home & Garden Hi Arthur,
Thank you for taking the time to contact us. We appreciate your concerns regarding our Alaskan Premium Ice Melter.
Alaskan Ice Melter has been proven safe and effective when used as directed on the label. If not used as directed (over-applied and not removed) then regrettably there is no guaranteed that it will not harm any surface. We do not recommend it as a replacement for the removal, or shovelling of snow and ice, but as an aid to help with the removal of stubborn ice and snow. If you are unsure about the quality, age or composition of the surface you are treating then we recommend using Get A Grip Super Traction which will not harm surfaces, but it is not an ice melter. It does provide good traction and will help reduce the risk of slips and falls but it will not melt ice and snow.
Most concrete damage is a result of the natural effects of freeze-thaw cycles, not a chemical attack by the actual ice melter. The challenge with concrete or any surface is mostly with these freeze/thaw cycles.
- When you melt snow and ice you create water.
- The water will be absorbed into the cement or other porous surfaces, most heavily into the natural occurring cracks and crevices.
- When the ice melter becomes too diluted or the temperature drops below the minimum melting point then the water will eventually refreeze.
- When water freezes it expands and will put pressure on the cracks and crevices causing larger cracks and crevices to form or even splitting the concrete or other porous surface.
- Using an ice melter (any ice melter) will increase the number of freeze/thaw cycles.
There are a couple of things you can do to increase the safety of using an ice melter but remember there is no guarantee.
- Do not use rock salt which has a freezing point of -5 Celsius thus increasing the number of freeze/thaw cycles that can occur.
- Follow the directions for application rates and use. Do not over apply. Apply evenly and avoid piling.
- Apply at a rate of 50 – 100 g per square metres (1/4 – ½ cup per square yard).
- Promptly removing the melting water, slush and ice as soon as the melting action has loosened the bond between the ice and surface it is on. This is usually within 10 – 15 minutes of applying. This will allow the area to dry and prevent refreezing, thus helping to stop the number of freeze/thaw cycles and the possibility of future damage.
We do not recommend that you use an ice melter on the following surfaces:
- Concrete that is less than 1 year old
- Patterned or coloured concrete
- Stone or brick masonry (including Flagstone)
- Pre-cast concrete (steps or paving stones)
- Stone or concrete surfaces that are chipped, cracked, spalled or have exposed aggregate.
- Porous surfaces, such as wooden decks and stairs.
However, the hazards and risk of injury associated with slippery surfaces must be weighted against the possibility of surface damage.
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When used as directed on good quality air-entrained concrete for cold temperatures, and the snow and ice are promptly removed once the bond between ice and surface is release, and the area is then allowed to dry, it should be safe to use.
Regards
Like · Reply · 20 October at 09:54
