There are lots of ice melt products on the market but it can be a challenge to determine which one is right for you. Listed below are several of the most common varieties along with a list of some of their positive and negative characteristics:

Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) - Inexpensive and safe to use on concrete surfaces but it can be harmful to vegetation and metal, can be slow to melt and is really only effective down to around 22 degrees.

Calcium Chloride - Melts fast, works down to -25 degrees, and is easy to spread. It cannot be used on metal and, like rock salt, tracks easily. It is also more expensive than rock salt.

Magnesium Chloride - Safer for vegetation and metal (although still not great) than calcium chloride and rock salt. It tracks less but does dilute quickly and is only effective down to 5 degrees. Price is usually comparable to calcium chloride.

Paw Thaw (pet safe ice melt) - Typically safer for the environment, pets, and animals. It tracks less than other varieties of ice melt but is more expensive and is not effective below zero degrees.

In this kind of weather it's important to find a product that works for you. Come on down to West Lebanon Feed & Supply and ask us to help you find your ice melt solution!