This winter, we’ve already seen varied weather, including snow, freezing rain, and high temperatures well above — and below — the average. The recent freezing rain has made concrete surfaces slick, making it treacherous to navigate hard surfaces, requiring concrete ice removal.

We still have plenty of time for winter weather, and it’s likely we’ll again see freezing rain and ice, so it’s time to reiterate the best options for concrete ice removal to make your driveway, walkways, and patios safe.

There are several types of salt commonly used for concrete ice removal, including calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and sodium chloride, best known as rock salt. These solutions have their own pros and cons as outlined below:

Calcium Chloride:

—  Effective to minus-25 degrees

—  Fast acting

—  Can damage grass and plants if over applied

—  Approximately $10-$20

Magnesium Chloride:

—  Effective to minus-13 degrees

—  Environmentally friendly; safer around pets, but can be lethal to animals with kidney disease if swallowed

—  Can damage plants if over applied

—  Approximately $10-$20

Sodium Chloride:

—  Effective to 20 degrees

—  Lethal to pets if ingested

—  Can damage asphalt, concrete, bricks metal, grass and more. (Don’t use on concrete less than 1 year old.)

—  Inexpensive. Usually less than $10.

Once you determine the best deicer for your needs, be sure to first clear any snow accumulation and use the right amount — or risk damaging your concrete surfaces.

So whether it’s a Racine concrete driveway, or a Lake Geneva stamped patio, be sure to pick the right concrete ice removal product to keep you slip free, and keep your concrete strong.

Contact us today to learn the best way to keep your concrete surfaces ice free.