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. … While deicing salts containing sodium, potassium and calcium are chemically innocuous to concrete, this is not true of magnesium.
Just so, is magnesium chloride corrosive to concrete?
Magnesium Chloride
This option is also considered one of the best and safest products for concrete. It’s not effective at as low a temperature as calcium chloride, but it isn’t considered corrosive and can be safely used around plants and landscaping.
Also question is, is sodium chloride the same as magnesium chloride?
Rock Salt vs Magnesium Chloride: Knowledge is Power
Too many people make the mistake of believing that all de-icers are basically the same thing. … Both rock salt (sodium chloride) and magnesium chloride are both chlorides, but are chemically different from one another.
How do you melt ice without damaging concrete?
Safer Alternatives to Salt
- Salt is Damaging. The most common way of preventing ice and snow on your porches, sidewalks, and driveways is salting prior to ice and snow. …
- Shovel First. One of the tried and true safer alternatives to salting pavement is using a shovel. …
- Cat Litter. …
- Heated Stair Mats. …
- Other Alternatives.
What is the best thing to put on icy sidewalks?
Sand, sawdust, coffee grinds and kitty litter. Although they won’t melt ice, these products will add traction to slippery surfaces. Juice from sugar beets lowers the melting point of ice and snow and is considered safe for animals, plants and concrete.
What is the safest salt to use on concrete?
What is the best ice melt for concrete?
Does salt destroy concrete?
The answer is yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks. Bumps and potholes don’t just appear due to regular wear and tear – salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface, leading to discolored, cracked and crumbling concrete.
Can you use magnesium chloride instead of calcium chloride?
Calcium chloride works quickly, melting ice almost instantly. It can be a cost-effective option since one ounce of calcium chloride can melt twice the amount of ice as one ounce of magnesium chloride. However, using calcium chloride ice melts can have negative effects.
What temp does mag chloride not work?
Can you use calcium chloride on your roof?
Yes, but if you use sodium chloride on your roof, you’ll soon run into trouble with your shingles. Instead of using sodium chloride, many people use calcium chloride. Some people throw pantyhose stuffed with calcium chloride onto the roof so that the ice will melt and break up the snow pack on the roof.
