Melting The Ice
According to the Weather Channel, we have another 8-12 inches due in about 36 hours. So I went to the store today to pick up some more salt.
Now, I typically buy rock salt (sodium chloride) because it is the least expensive stuff. This is the same stuff the road crews spread over Michigan pavement each winter. The problem is that it is only effective down to about 20 degrees F.
So, with colder weather on the way, I thought I'd ask about some of the other options.
Hint: If you ever need to know something, skip the big box stores, head to your local hardware store, and find the grouchy old man who's worked there forever. This works for any topic from home maintenance to world peace.
Here are some of the other alternatives:
Potassium chloride is effective to 12 degrees.
Magnesium chloride and sodium acetate, which are effective to 5 degrees.
But the king of the ice melters is calcium chloride , which is effective down to minus 25 degrees F.
Stay warm!
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