Icy Sidewalks

A Huge Thank You to those residents who take the time and consideration to regularly clear their sidewalks. Uncleared sidewalks become treacherous for walkers after the thaw/freeze cycles we seem to experience more of each winter.
The chart below displays information about deicers but nothing beats a regularly shoveled sidewalk with an occasional dusting of common crusher dust or gravel. Crusher dust is not harmful to the environment, is easily swept up in spring and can even be added to the garden if not contaminated with any of the chemicals.  A bucket of crusher dust lasts a long time and can be obtained from any gravel supplier - it is a lot cheaper than chemicals and can be cleaned up and recycled in the spring ready for use the next winter.

For those who like, want or need to walk a clear dry sidewalk is truly appreciated.


from
http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howthingswork/a/aa120703a.htm

comes this list of chemical deicers, all of which have disadvantages.

Chemicals Used to Melt Ice

Name        Formula            Lowest Practical Temp       Pros           Cons

Ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 -7°C(20°F) Fertilizer Damages concrete

Calcium chloride CaCl2 -29°C(-20°F) Melts ice faster than sodium chloride Attracts moisture, surfaces slippery below -18°C (0°F)

Calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) Calcium carbonate CaCO3, magnesium carbonate MgCO3, and acetic acid CH3COOH -9°C(15°F) Safest for concrete & vegetation Works better to prevent re-icing than as ice remover

Magnesium chloride MgCl2 -15°C(5°F) Melts ice faster than sodium chloride Attracts moisture

Potassium acetate CH3COOK -9°C(15°F) Biodegradable Corrosive

Potassium chloride KCl -7°C(20°F) Fertilizer Damages concrete

Sodium chloride (rock salt, halite) NaCl -9°C(15°F) Keeps sidewalks dry Corrosive, damages concrete & vegetation

Urea NH2CONH2 -7°C(20°F) Fertilizer Agricultural grade is corrosive