Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answers to the most-often asked questions about deicers
  1. Q:  Which form of calcium chloride is better for snow and ice control - pellets or flakes?

    A:  Pellets provide substantially better snow and ice control. Compared to flakes, which tend to melt horizontally, the melting power of pellets is concentrated. That allows pellets to bore down quickly to the pavement surface where they can begin undercutting the ice.


  2. Q:  Which is the least expensive form of calcium chloride for use in snow and ice control?

    A:  Pellets. Because this form is more efficient, less is needed.


  3. Q:  Will calcium chloride work at temperatures below 0°F?

    A:  Absolutely. In fact, calcium chloride will melt ice all the way down to -50°F.


  4. Q:  What's the difference between a deicer's theoretical temperature limit and its practical temperature limit?

    A:  A theoretical temperature limit (eutectic temperature) is the lowest possible temperature at which a deicer at its ideal concentration is capable of working. Deicers become increasingly diluted as they melt their way through ice or snow. They do not remain at their ideal concentration for long. Practical temperature limits, on the other hand, are a more realistic measure of effectiveness because they refer to a deicer's ability to melt through ice and snow under actual conditions in a reasonable amount of time.


  5. Q:  How does SNOMELT™ calcium chloride pellets compare to other deicers in snow and ice control?

    A:  SNOMELT™ is far superior to all competitive deicing products by such measures as:

    • Lowest effective temperature
    • Penetration and melting performance
    • Undercutting/disbondment ability
    • Availability


  6. Q:  Will deicers damage my concrete?

    A:  Research has shown that deicers don't chemically attack concrete. Damage to improperly constructed concrete is actually the result of the expansion pressures caused by the repeated freezing of water or brine trapped in the concrete. As the number of freeze/thaw cycles increases, it can contribute to concrete damage. Independent testing of 10 commonly used deicers has shown that SNOMELT™ is the least harmful to concrete, even after 500 freeze/thaw cycles.


  7. Q:  I have concrete that's less than two year old. Can I use a deicer?

    A:  The concrete industry recommends against using any deicer on newly placed concrete. Concrete that's less than two years old may not yet have reached its full strength. The application of an aggregate such as sand will help provide traction.


  8. Q:  Will deicers harm vegetation?

    A:  Not if applied properly. None of the commonly used deicers - when used as directed - are harmful to grass, shrubs, or trees. However, caution is needed to avoid over-application or concentration of melted slush into a small area. These practices could produce effects similar to those resulting from the over-application of fertilizer, e.g., browning and die back.


  9. Q:  Do all deicers track?

    A:  Yes, all deicers track. As footwear carries melted slush onto the floor surface, a residue is left behind. However, calcium chloride is the only deicer that doesn't leave a powdery, white residue.


  10. Q:  How do you clean tracked-in deicers from carpets?

    A:
    1. On Cut Pile Carpets:
      1. Vacuum with a good, heavy-duty, commercial vacuum.
      2. High-temperature hot water extract (180-190°F) using plain water.
      3. After carpet dries, hot water extract with a neutral, or near-neutral pH detergent.
      4. Hot water extraction (150-160°F) with 5% isopropyl alcohol / 95% water.

    2. On Commercial Carpets:
      1. Pile lifting.
      2. Rotary scrubbing (shampoo) followed immediately by -
      3. High temperature (180-190°F) hot water extraction rinsing.
      4. Allow to dry before walking on carpet.

    NOTE:   If conditions are severe, repeat cleaning may be required. The best way to handle tracking is to avoid it through preventative maintenance. The generous use of strategically placed and properly maintained entrance mats will help prevent excessive accumulation of deicer on carpets. More frequent vacuuming and pile lifting are recommended, and routine maintenance procedures such as damp pad, dry compound, and foam extraction should be increased as needed when deicers are in use.