As a property manager or business owner, you have a legal responsibility to keep your property safe for your tenants, employees, or customers. In the winter, this means keeping your sidewalks free of snow and ice. Aside from shoveling, many property managers turn to rock salt and other de-icing chemicals, including
- Sodium chloride or rock salt (NaCL)
- Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA)
- Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) andorganic-based performance enhancer (OBPE)
- NaCL with MgCl2 and OBPE
- NaCL with Magic-O – a proprietaryblend of OBPE and 30% MgCl2
- Calcium chloride (CaCl2) and OBPE
- NaCL until 15° F degrees, then NaCL with CaCl2 until 5° F degrees, thenNaCL with sand
What are the Best De-Icing Chemicals for Concrete? None!
“No de-icing chemicals are safe,” explains Patrick Gillen III, owner of PTG Enterprises, a Baltimore concrete contractor.
According to a 2002 federal government funded study, “The Deleterious Effects of Concentrated Deicing Solutions on Portland Cement Concrete,” there is significant evidence that de-icing chemicals chemically interact with concrete, resulting is cracking, strength loss, and eventually pavement failure. It doesn’t matter if you use sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium acetate, or another product, each has been scientifically proven to damage concrete pavement. There is no good de-icing chemical to use on your concrete. Period. End of story.
Concrete is a durable material that’s excellent for sidewalks, curbs, dumpster pads, and similar structures. In addition to its strength, this material holds up well to the elements. However, certain chemicals, like de-icing chemicals, can wreak havoc on your concrete. When concrete becomes cracked and broken, it not only detracts from the overall look of a property, it can become a safety hazard, requiring immediate attention.
Concrete Repair from PTG Enterprises
PTG Enterprises are experts with commercial concrete jobs. We work closely with you to ensure the details of the project are fully understood, and that timetables are met. Our crews are extremely familiar with all types of concrete paving, so you know the job will look professional and last for years to come.
If you have any questions about the effects of De-Icing Chemicals on Concrete or if you are in need of Concrete Repair, please contact PTG Enterprises aka My Pavement Guy today by calling 410-636-8777, or click here today! You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Tags: Concrete, De-Icing Chemicals
