December 1, 2023

Ice Melts Explained: Packaged Ice Melts

Welcome back to our Ice Melts Explained blog series where we help simplify ice melt solutions available here at Russo for trouble-free ice management this winter season. In our 1st blog, we explored our 3 varieties of bulk road salts. In this 2nd ice melt breakdown, we’re focusing on our diverse lineup of packaged de-icers available for snow & ice management pros like you to dominate ice effectively:

Sodium Chloride (NaCl) - The Classic Ice Warrior

Effective Down to: 5°F
Common Uses: Widely popular for general applications & highways
Typical Users: Municipalities, road maintenance crews, commercial property managers, homeowners, parking lot attendants
Advantages: Widely used, cost-effective, reliable
Considerations: Limited effectiveness in extremely low temperatures

[Shop Bags of NaCl]

Magnesium Chloride (MgCl2) - Eco-Friendly Efficiency

Effective Down to: -15°F
Description: Considered "environmentally friendly" & suitable for various surfaces
Common Uses: Highways & road systems, sidewalks, walkways, driveways, residential areas, parking lots & garages, eco-sensitive or environmentally regulated areas, public transportation platforms
Typical Users: Environmental agencies, landscape contractors, facility managers in eco-conscious organizations, property managers for sensitive surfaces
Advantages: Works well in low temperatures, eco-friendly option
Considerations: Slightly higher cost compared to sodium chloride

[Shop Bags of MgCl2]

Calcium Chloride (CaCl2) - The Premium De-Icer

Effective Down to: -25°F
Description: Recognized as a "fast-acting, premium de-icer”
Common Uses: Airport runways & taxiways, emergency access routes, industrial facilities & loading docks, high-traffic commercial areas
Typical Users: Winter event venue managers, airport operations teams, emergency responders, industrial facility managers
Advantages: Exceptional melting power, fast-acting
Considerations: Higher cost, may be corrosive on certain surfaces

[Shop Bags of CaCl2]

Potassium Chloride (KCl) - Slow and Steady

Effective Down to: -15°F
Common Uses: Golf courses or country club parking lots & walkways, parks & recreational areas, college campuses, school parking lots & walkways, sensitive environmental zones
Typical Users: Golf course maintenance crews, parks & recreation departments, educational institutions, sustainable or eco-friendly property managers
Advantages: Environmentally friendly, suitable for sensitive areas
Considerations: Slower melting compared to other options

[Shop Bags of KCl]

Acetates - Precision for Sensitive Surfaces

Common Uses: Structural concrete surfaces, parking garages, airports with chloride restrictions, areas near water bodies with environmental concerns
Typical Users: Structural engineers, parking garage facility managers, airport grounds crews, areas where chloride-based de-icers are restricted
Advantages: Ideal for areas where traditional chlorides are restricted
Considerations: May be less effective in extreme cold

[Shop Power Melt Green]

Water Softener Salt - A Safe Alternative

Common Uses: Residential driveways & walkways, pet-friendly areas, places with landscaping or vegetation concerns, outdoor areas where people & pets frequent
Typical Users: Residential homeowners with pets, pet-friendly businesses (veterinary clinics, pet care facilities), areas with strict environmental regulations
Advantages: Human & pet safe ice melt, alternative to traditional rock salt
Considerations: May be less effective in extremely low temperatures

[Shop Water Softener Salt]

Other Ice Melt Products - Versatile De-Icing

Common Compounds: Urea, ammonium sulfate, glycols, formates
Common Uses: Industrial facilities with specific requirements, areas with unique environmental considerations, specialized applications based on compound characteristics
Typical Users: Chemical plants & manufacturing facilities, specialized de-icing service providers, transportation authorities for specific applications
Advantages: Versatile options, compounds for specific needs
Considerations: Limited market share, specialized use cases

[Shop All Packaged Ice Melts]

In this guide, we've explored our extensive packaged ice melt options, each offering unique benefits. As you tailor your winter service offerings, each property’s specific needs & choose the most effective ice melt solutions. For additional guidance or expert advice, contact a Russo winter specialist to optimize your snow & ice management strategy!