Is it OK to put ice melt on new concrete?

You must follow one rule with new concrete—never apply ice melt of any kind on new concrete less than 12 months old. You must test it first on stamped and unsealed concrete before proceeding with an ice melt. However, if you have just got a concrete driveway made, you can use Walk On Ice as an alternative.

What type of ice melt is safe for new concrete?

CMA is usually more expensive than other deicer options, but it's the only product safe for use on newer concrete. Beet juice salt is the newest option for treating snow and ice covered concrete. Because the sugar from the beets lowers the freezing point of ice, this product is very effective at low temperatures.

Does ice melt damage new concrete?

The water seeps inside the concrete further, and the constant freeze/thaw cycle disturbs the strength of the concrete, thus leading to cracks. It is better to steer clear of ice melt on new concrete and only stick to traction agents such as Traction Magic to form a good grip while walking.

What melts ice without damaging concrete?

Calcium Chloride and Magnesium Chloride

Of all the common de-icers on the market, tests have shown that calcium chloride is the least harmful to concrete. It is also among the most effective, melting ice at temperatures as low as minus-25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Can you use ice melt on a new driveway?

Rock Salt Ice Melt Is Not Safe For Asphalt.

While rock salt doesn't directly destroy asphalt, it does make asphalt's nemesis, freeze/thaw cycles, much worse. Also, rock salt is poisonous and environmentally harmful. Animals and small children like the taste of salt.

Save Your Cement From Ice Melters

What happens if you put salt on new concrete?

Salt corrodes concrete beneath the surface, resulting in discolored, cracked, and crumbling concrete. It is caused mainly by chemicals reacting with the pavement surface. Salt reduces the freezing point of water. It increases the pressure of frozen water, amplifying the freeze-thaw cycle's effect.

Does calcium chloride damage concrete?

Independent testing of commonly used deicers has shown that calcium chloride is the least harmful to concrete (excluding Sodium Acetate and Calcium Magnesium Acetate) after 500 freeze/thaw cycles. Incidentally, liquid calcium chloride is widely used in concrete to decrease the set time of concrete in the winter.

How do you neutralize ice melt on concrete?

A mixture of mild hydrochloric acid and water might be utilized (1 part acid to 20 parts water). However, because the acid can harm some concrete surfaces, it should only be used by persons who are familiar with it. It may take several attempts to entirely remove the stains and residue if they are severe or thick.

Does ice melt salt damage concrete?

According to the Michigan Concrete Association, ice melters or rock salt can cause damage to concrete—particularly new concrete. When it snows and the ice starts to melt, the water that soaks in the concrete could refreeze if the temperature starts to drop.

What can I use instead of ice melt?

How long should you wait to put salt on new concrete?

The first winter, for new concrete, salt should never be used. Sand can be used to increase traction when needed. After the first winter, if you choose to take the risk to use de-icing salts or chemicals, you should apply a sealer to your concrete in the fall.

Is Scotts Ice Melt safe for concrete?

Our Scotts Ice Melt is not intended for use on wood surfaces, like decks, but can be used on cement patios.

Is Morton ice melt safe for concrete?

Morton^® Safe-T-Plus^® can help reduce the harmful effects of ice on concrete surfaces, but all sidewalks and driveways are susceptible to deicer damage and should be promptly cleared following ice break-up to reduce the risk of damage.

What happens if you put too much of calcium chloride in concrete?

The chloride can cause the mix to shrink as it cures, creating cracks in the surface. There is also an increased risk of scaling in concrete made with chloride accelerators, especially in disproportionate mixes or concrete exposed to deicers.

Is rock salt or calcium chloride better on concrete?

Traditional Rock Salt Can Be Damaging to Your Driveway, Walkways, and Lawns. One of the most significant advantages that calcium chloride pellets hold over common rock salt is that they're much less damaging to the concrete and asphalt used your driveways.

What salt is best for new concrete?

Concrete Safe Ice Melt

This means that ice melt will not refreeze as easily or as often, thus preventing the freeze-thaw cycle. One of the best options is calcium chloride, the main ingredient in our Green Gobbler Snow & Ice Melt Pellets.

Does kitty litter melt ice?

Cat litter: Using kitty litter is a great way to provide traction and prevent slipping on icy driveways and sidewalks, however, kitty litter will not help to melt the ice.

How do you melt ice on concrete without salt?

Create a Hot Water, Soap, and Rubbing Alcohol Mixture

Simply grab a bucket and add half of a gallon of hot water, one-fourth a cup of rubbing alcohol, and around six drops of dish soap. Once it's all combined, you pour the solution over the driveway. The snow should bubble up and begin melting.

When should ice melt be applied?

Ice melt should be applied before precipitation freezes or immediately after clearing snow. Shoveling the slush layer from walkways after the ice melt has done its job helps reduce concrete damage from water absorption and excess thaw/refreeze cycles.

How long does it take 3 feet of concrete to cure?

Concrete typically takes 24 to 48 hours to dry enough for you to walk or drive on it. However, concrete drying is a continuous and fluid event, and usually reaches its full effective strength after about 28 days.

How long should you avoid driving on new concrete?

Typically, you'll be able to drive and park on a new concrete driveway seven days after placement. By that time, your concrete will have attained about 70% of its potential strength.

What rock salt doesn't damage concrete?

Magnesium chloride is a great choice! While magnesium chloride is more expensive than sodium chloride and calcium chloride, it is less likely to damage your concrete or your lawn. This type of salt only works in temperatures down to 0° F, which is better than sodium chloride but not quite as good as calcium chloride.

Is calcium chloride ice melt safe for concrete?

Calcium Chloride

This is a popular snow-melt product that's considered one of the best options for concrete. It's effective at lower temperatures (down to -26 degrees Fahrenheit) and works by breaking the bond between the surface of concrete and ice.

Does vinegar work as ice melt?

The acetic acid in vinegar is a chemical compound that lowers ice's melting point, but it doesn't melt ice quite as well as rock salt and some of the above alternatives. Like isopropyl alcohol, vinegar can technically be used on its own, but it provides better results in a mixture of equal parts vinegar and hot water.

Does baking soda work as ice melt?

It is a perfect ice melt for your icy areas at very little expense. Generously sprinkle baking soda on the ice- or snow-covered area, and wait for the ice to start melting. This may take a bit longer to melt than other options, but it will work. Do not use the soda-sprinkled path until the baking soda has done its job.