Not every ice melt product serves the same purpose. Karen Hartung of Natural Alternative explains the differences between two products and what contractors and property managers should consider when choosing an ice melt solution.
When choosing an ice melt product, contractors and property managers are balancing several priorities: melting performance, surface compatibility, environmental considerations, and the needs of people and pets using the property.
At Natural Alternative, Karen Hartung says the company has supplied ice melt products across the country for more than 35 years. The company offers two pet-friendly ice melter options designed to meet different winter maintenance needs.
A Chloride-Based Ice Melter for Cold Temperatures
Natural Alternative’s first option is a chloride-based ice melter formulated with calcium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride.
According to Hartung, the product includes an activator that helps lower its effective melting temperature to -16°F. The activator also begins working when precipitation starts, making the product an option for pretreatment applications.
Pretreating pavement can help reduce the bond between ice and the surface, making ice easier to manage. Hartung also notes that the product is designed to help reduce freeze-thaw and refreeze cycles.
Another benefit is application efficiency. Because the product is designed to work with smaller quantities, operators may be able to use less material while maintaining their winter maintenance program.
For contractors and property managers, application rates, pavement conditions, and expected temperatures remain important considerations when selecting an ice melt product.
A Chloride-Free Option: Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)
Natural Alternative also offers a calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) product for customers looking for a chloride-free alternative.
Hartung describes the product as 100% CMA. It is treated with an activator and a colorant, allowing operators to see where the material has been applied.
CMA may be especially appealing for properties where chloride use is a concern. Hartung says property managers are increasingly looking for products that align with environmental goals, pet-friendly requirements, and LEED-related project objectives.
She also notes that the CMA product can be used on concrete once it has cured for at least 30 days, providing an option for certain newer concrete surfaces where product selection requires extra care.
The product is available in 30-pound bags.
What Should You Consider When Selecting Ice Melt?
The right product depends on the property, pavement conditions, temperature, and maintenance requirements. Before choosing an ice melt, consider these factors:
- Temperature performance: Confirm that the product is suitable for the temperatures expected during the application period.
- Surface compatibility: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations, especially when treating newer concrete.
- Application efficiency: Follow the recommended application rate to avoid unnecessary product use.
- Environmental and property requirements: Consider whether chloride-free products or specific project sustainability requirements influence your selection.
- Visibility during application: A colorant can help operators identify treated areas and improve application coverage.
No single ice melt product is the right fit for every property. Understanding the differences between chloride-based products and chloride-free alternatives can help winter maintenance professionals make more informed decisions.
Learn More from Natural Alternative
With more than three decades of experience supplying ice melt products, Natural Alternative offers options for winter maintenance professionals who need to consider melting performance alongside property and environmental requirements.
In our interview, Karen Hartung explains the differences between the company’s chloride-based ice melter and its calcium magnesium acetate product, including application considerations and why chloride-free options are gaining attention.
Watch the interview to hear more about the products and their potential applications.
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