We have all seen the devastation that rock salt (or halite) causes to vehicles and roads.  And we have also seen the damage rock salt inflicts to turf, trees, shrubs, concrete, brick, patios, steel and so many other materials.  While rock salt is the cheapest and most basic of ice melting materials, it has many drawbacks.  Rock salt only works at temperatures down to 25 f and will dry out your pets’ paws when used on walkways, patios, decks, and driveways.  Rock salt may also cause salt burns to animals and kill turf and shrubs when applied over the course of a winter.  How much did you pay for that landscaping job?  Or should I say, how much are you willing to pay to replace that section of lawn or even that shrub?  Is it worth the small savings for rock salt versus a few dollars more for far safer and superior products? Oh, and I saved the best for last! Rock salt also tracks a white residue into your home leaving your tile, wood floor, or carpets dirty and white.

Calcium chloride is our next contestant and is a heavy weight ice melt.  It is a serious product that works at very low temperatures (-25 f) but also has major draw backs such as higher cost, corrosion, adverse health effects, reduced traction, and damage to the environment.  These are just the big drawbacks, there are more.  Also, unless kept dry, calcium chloride melts into itself (absorbs moisture) and becomes unusable.  Calcium chloride will corrode steel.  Most calcium chloride pellets are also spheres and therefore roll on inclines or slopes.  Unlike crystalline ice melt, calcium chloride does not provide any physical traction.  Calcium chloride is not plant or people friendly.  In fact, it can burn your hands or the paws of your beloved pet if not handled properly.  Calcium chloride is a severe irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract.  Calcium chloride is certainly not very safe to use around your family or home given how harsh it is. Fortunately, there are alternatives….

Why consider Natural Ice Melt?  If you take away all of the bad stuff I just wrote about.  How does that sound?  Natural Ice Melt is effective at temperatures down to 5 f.  That’s very effective on an average winter night. Natural Ice Melt is pet, plant, and people safe.  There is no need to use gloves or protection to apply Natural Ice Melt.  Natural Ice Melt does not dissolve or remove moisture from the air.  So, there is no need to keep the bag air locked.  We especially love how Natural Ice Melt will not track on carpets and tile, eliminating that dirty white residue.  Natural Ice Melt will work on asphalt shingles and will not stain that newly sealed or paved driveway.  And with its natural peach color, Natural Ice Melt is visually easier to apply.

With each product we buy, we make a statement.  What will you buy this year when it comes to melting ice at your home and/ or business?  We hope you will consider the environment, your family, the lawn, and your pets!  Natural Ice Melt just makes sense. Once you try Natural Ice Melt and see the benefits, you will not use any other ice melt product.  Look for it and buy it. Or better yet, give us a call and we can have it delivered to your home by the bag or pallet!