Melting Through The Clutter By: Jerry Poe, director of technical services for North American Salt Company JanSan professionals have numerous ice melt choices, and for good reason: Varying circumstances demand different products to get the job done. Here’s a quick primer to help you find the right product for your needs: Magnesium chloride ■ Melts down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit (F), with the fastest melting speed above 0 degrees F ■ Safe to handle and safe for vegetation and concrete and hard sur-face floors — when used as directed ■ Best for use near public entryways and vegetation, and when con-crete maintenance is a concern. Calcium chloride ■ Melts down to -25 degrees F ■ Application requires goggles and gloves, and it can harm concrete and vegetation ■ Contains oily substances that can cause slippery floors ■ Best for treating remote areas in extremely cold temperatures. Sodium chloride (rock salt) ■ Melts down to 5 degrees F ■ Economical and safe to handle and store around children and pets ■ Must be managed properly if used around vegetation ■ Best for treating large areas and for use in more moderate tempera-tures. Blends ■ Typically rock salt blended with magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and other additives such as melting enhancers, color and corrosion inhibitors ■ Provide additional benefits such as enhanced melting power, extended freeze/thaw cycles and coloring to assist with even appli-cation ■ Can be economical depending on the ingredients. CM Circle Product Information no. 201 on page 32 www.cmmonline.com 35
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