Dry Ice Melting Products

Nearly all dry ice melt products are made from one, or a blend of, five materials — calcium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and urea. Each ingredient has a different set of advantages, drawbacks and appropriate uses.

Sodium chloride (a.k.a. rock salt) costs the least to purchase, but can turn out to be more expensive in the long run, as it is not particularly effective in extreme cold, and can damage lawns, trees and shrubs.  Calcium chloride is the most effective option for the coldest climates, melting ice and snow in temperatures as low as -32 ºC (-25 ºF). Magnesium chloride is somewhat similar in function to Calcium chloride (both effect an exothermic reaction producing heat when they hit the ice) but is considered less corrosive, safer for use on concrete and less damaging to plants.

Potassium chloride and Urea are organic alternatives that are more environmentally friendly, easier to use, and less corrosive in relation to concrete containing rebar and steel structures. These products are not effective deicers in extreme cold, but can be a good choice for milder climates where preserving vegetation and avoiding corrosion of mild steel are priorities.

None of the solid form de icer products should be used on newly poured concrete, unsealed concrete less than 12 months old, exposed aggregate, brick, or precast steps. Applying dry icemelter to damaged, cracked or chipped concrete may result in further damage due to the thaw and re-freeze cycles.

The Benefits of Liquid Ice Melter

The addition of liquid ice melter to snow and ice management programs is a growing trend amongst management contractors and municipalities.

Using a liquid anti-icer on the sidewalk prior to a storm is akin to putting down a Teflon coating:  the liquid deicer functions to prevent ice from forming, stopping the accumulation of hard-packed snow and ice.  Plowing and shoveling is consequently transformed into a quicker, easier exercise, and conditions for pedestrians and drivers become safer faster. Establishments can reduce the likelihood of slip-and-fall claims and cut the amount of salt and labor used.

Liquid ice melter and de-icers are better for the environment than the solid form options set out above.  While some sand and salt use is still necessary for overall winter maintenance in most conditions, increased use of liquids has been found to reduce the air pollution associated with sand use and the corrosion associated with use of the chlorides.

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Dry Ice Melting Products

Chemelt II: Calcium chloride ice melter features an unsurpassed capacity for melting ice and snow on sidewalks, walkways, streets, highways, bridges, airport runways and other outdoor surfaces.  Each pellet is capable of dissolving up to 150 times its weight in ice, and does the job 30 times faster than rock salt or other conventional melting compounds. Resiliant compound works to prevent refreezing to extend freeze-thaw cycles.  Effective at temperatures as low as -32 ºC (-25 ºF).

Eco-Melt Plus:  Urea and potassium chloride composition with granulated limestone for added traction.  Nitrogen fertilizer base is safer on cement and metals, and better for the environment. Effective at temperatures as low as -10 ºC  (14 ºF).

Liquid Ice Melter

Meltdown Liquid Ice Melter: A biodegradable, high performance, low-corrosion liquid deicer that is effective at temperatures below -26ºC (-14 ºF).  Can be used as a deicer or anti-icer.  Contains no corrosive chlorides so it is safer to use on structural and reinforcing steels. It will reduce tracking and added cleaning costs associated with conventional solid ice melters when applied at building entrances. Ideal for stairs, sidewalks, bridge decks, runways, ramps, gutters, and loading docks. Can be mixed with road salt and sand to improve traction, or as a pre-spray for keeping conveyors ice-free, coating truck beds and road signs so snow and ice do not adhere and for freeing frozen manhole covers and rail switches.