Dec 2024

Your

Guide

By Andrew Woller, Jefco & Son Equipment Supplies

effective in frigid temperatures and leaves behind a pow dery residue on shoes and floors. It is also destructive to

ith winter right around the corner, ice melt has been an in-demand product since the early 2000s and has been used in many communities. Choosing the right ice melt

concrete and plants. Calcium Chloride

for your community can be crucial in keeping your roads and sidewalks clear, as well as clubhouse entrances, exits, and stairways. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, or in this case, potential damage to your community. Hopefully the following information can help guide your choices on how to best protect your community this winter. Sodium Chloride Sodium Chloride, otherwise known as rock salt, is the most common type of ice melt (mostly because of its price, as this option is cheaper than all other ice melts). Rock salt can typically be found in any hardware store over the winter months. While it may be inexpensive, it is also less

Calcium chloride is the most effective ice melt for lower temperatures where other ice melts struggle (lowest melting point at -25 degrees Fahrenheit). This is the fastest-acting ice melt typically used in most communities and recom mended for use on concrete surfaces. It is not recommend ed to use calcium chloride in high-traffic areas where kids and pets may be present. Calcium chloride can be found in flakes or pellet form (pellets decrease tracking ice melt with your feet). Magnesium Chloride Magnesium chloride is another effective method for removing ice. Its hygroscopic properties help this type of CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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DECEMBER 2024