What instead of salt in winter? Many people ask themselves this question when they see damaged plants, faded sidewalks and shoe stains. If you want to avoid this, reach for an alternative means. Not only will it melt the ice, but it won’t have a negative impact on your surroundings.
The temperature is dropping more and more every day. The nights are getting colder and the thermometers are already showing several degrees below zero. The sidewalks and roads are therefore very slippery. Ice on the road represents a great danger and is a frequent cause of falls. For this reason, you need to take care of her as soon as possible. The most common solution is sprinkling with salt. However, it has several disadvantages, so it is worth looking for an alternative method.
What to replace road salt with? Salt has many negative consequences
For years, road salt has been the most popular means of de-icing on pavements. It consists of more than 90% sodium chloride, but anti-caking agents, fine gravel or sand are also added to it. Such a mixture lowers the freezing point of water, thereby reducing slipperiness on the road. It is a good fall protection, but you have to be aware that it is very harmful to plants. This is important news for landowners who want to salt sidewalks near the garden. The salty slurry prevents the roots from receiving water from the soil, causing the plants to wilt. Young bushes and trees may not germinate in the spring, because salt reduces germination. It also affects the appearance of the road itself and promotes corrosion of the bodywork and other metal parts of cars. To prevent this, it is a good idea to replace road salt with another agent. An excellent substitute is calcium chloride.
Does calcium chloride damage pavers? A much better alternative
Calcium chloride is much more effective than road salt. It works even at very low temperatures down to -20 degrees Celsius and retains its properties for up to 72 hours after being spread on the road. The flakes adhere tightly to the road surface, so they do not spread over the surface like salt. In addition, they do not damage plants or corrode metal parts of vehicles. Another advantage is that calcium chloride does not change the color of pavement or pavement. It doesn’t even leave marks on shoes. Its application is not difficult. Simply clear the surface of snow and spread calcium chloride flakes on the icy surface. The preparation begins to work after just a few minutes. It is worth noting that it is easily accessible. You can buy it at almost any hardware or garden store.
Do not salt the stairs and driveway. This is how you get rid of ice and snow
