You are right, Salt will eventually harm or “shell” concrete. I would suggest potassium chloride. This product will de-ice down to apx 15 F and will not harm the concrete or adjoining lawns or other plantings. Potassium chloride comes in a variety of brand names and can be found at most hardware stores.

What ice melt is safe for stamped concrete?

Furthermore, one of the most often used de-icers, rock salt, affects concrete by increasing water absorption, which causes cracking and surface damage due to the freeze-thaw cycle. Hence, it is advisable to use salt-free, natural ice melt on stamped concrete.

What ice melt will not hurt concrete?





Calcium Chloride (CaCl)



It’s an effective ice melt that can help in even -25 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s expensive in comparison with other ice melts and is even less dangerous to the environment.

Does de icer damage concrete?

The truth is, concrete deicers don’t really harm the concrete, it’s what the deicing salts do to the snow and ice that potentially harms the concrete. Improperly poured, cured, and sealed concrete is susceptible to freeze and thaw damage.

What is the least corrosive ice melt?

Sodium Acetate Ice Melt



This is one of the most environmentally friendly options because it does not contain any chlorides and is biodegradable. It is the most expensive option. Sodium acetate does not cause corrosion to metals.

What can I use instead of ice melt?

Hot Water with rubbing alcohol – Another interesting ice melt substitute is using hot water and rubbing alcohol. All you need is a gallon of hot water, two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol, and one tablespoon of liquid dish soap.

Will vinegar melt ice on driveway?





This white vinegar, wood ash, and water ice melt method is not only extremely effective in getting rid of old ice and preventing new ice from forming, it’s also gentle on plants, sidewalks, and driveways.

What is the safest ice melt for driveways?

Safest Ice Melt For Asphalt:



Rock salt and other harmful chloride salt cause masonry flaking, scaling, and pockmarks on the driveway or sidewalks. The safest option for your driveway and walkway is a natural salt-free ice melt.

What is the safest ice melt?

Our top pick is Snow Joe Premium Environmentally Friendly Blend Ice Melter (view at Walmart). This pellet ice melt is easy to see and spread without breaking the bank. It works for most pet households and won’t damage plants.

Does Alaskan ice melt damage concrete?

Do ice melters affect concrete? Most concrete damage is a result of the natural effects of freeze/thaw cycles, not a chemical attack by an ice melter.

Which deicer is best for concrete?



What is the best concrete deicer? If we’re talking about pure melting power, then the best deicer for concrete is calcium chloride. Calcium chloride will melt snow and ice on concrete in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Is urea ice melt safe for concrete?

containing 46% nitrogen, and it melts ice quite effectively. When compared to salt, urea can be a better choice due to its less corrosive properties, meaning that metals, concrete, fabrics, and skin are not as irritated or damaged as they are by salt.

Does ice melt salt damage concrete?

While this is an effective method for melting ice and snow, the question is, does salt damage your concrete? The answer is yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks.

How do you protect concrete from salt damage?



How to Protect Concrete From Road Salt Damage

  1. Apply a Densifier Sealer. If you noticed that your concrete has already sustained salt damage or is slowly showing signs of deterioration, you should apply a sodium or lithium silicate densifier. …
  2. Apply a Protective Coating. …
  3. Apply a Water Repellent Sealer.


How do you fix rock salt damage on concrete?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: All right so what i'm using for the patch material is ardex cd the cd stands for concrete dressing. And this is the same stuff i'm going to use to resurface.

What is the safest salt to use on concrete?

Sodium chloride (commonly known as rock salt or table salt) is the safest de-icer for use on concrete.

What can I use instead of salt on concrete?



Fortunately, there are alternatives that can mitigate these problems.

  • Calcium Magnesium Acetate.
  • Sand or Kitty Litter.
  • Sugar Beet Juice/Brine.
  • Coffee Grounds.
  • Alfalfa Meal.
  • Heated Mats.


Is Morton Safe T salt safe for concrete?

Morton® Safe-T-Plus®: Formulated to be gentler on concrete surfaces and plants than rock salt, this ice melter can also reduce corrosion by 14 percent compared to plain salt.

What is better for concrete calcium chloride or Magnesium Chloride?

Corrosiveness. Claim: Magnesium Chloride is less damaging and has less impact on concrete. FACT: Magnesium chloride is more detrimental to concrete.

Will magnesium chloride hurt concrete?



At low concentrations, magnesium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate can cause measurable damage to concrete. At high concentrations, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and calcium magnesium acetate cause significant changes in concrete that result in loss of material and a reduction in stiffness and strength.

Is magnesium chloride ice melt safe for driveways?

The use of Magnesium Chloride, also sometimes referred to as MAG, as an ice melter to melt the ice on concrete sidewalks, driveways or roads can be deadly.