Salt vs. your driveway
Winter is here, and that means slippery concrete driveways and sidewalks are just around the corner. Driveways, sidewalks, and stairs can become slip-and-fall hazards, putting you at risk of falling and having to nurse a wounded rib or elbow—or worse—with every step you take. It is tempting to grab the cheapest option for melting ice, but there are some downsides.
An ice melt, like rock salt, which quickly breaks up ice and generates traction, is the easiest solution to this winter disaster. And although it’s a simple solution, applying salt or other chloride ice melters on concrete might have some unintended consequences.
Rock salt is usually sprayed on roads and driveways during winter to melt ice and snow. Approximately 10 million tons of salt are used every year to clear icy roads and driveways.
Even though this is an effective method for melting ice and snow, does salt damage your concrete?
The answer is: yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete surfaces.
Bumps and potholes in the road don’t just appear due to regular wear and tear. Salt damages concrete and asphalt over time by causing corrosion under the surface, which leads to discolored, cracked, and crumbling concrete.
The sciencey stuff
Concrete is a porous material that absorbs water easily. During winter, water on roads and driveways freezes– however, this itself does not cause damage to the concrete. What really causes concrete to deteriorate are deicers, such as salt. Similarly, in coastal climates, moisture in the air contains high levels of sodium chloride, which can cause concrete to crumble and become discolored over time.
Salt damages concrete mainly due to chemicals that react with the road or pavement surface. These structures are generally made with white-gray concrete. The calcium hydroxide in the concrete reacts with the calcium chloride in salt, creating calcium oxychloride in salt, thus wreaking havoc. In addition, when forming inside the concrete, the crystals expand, causing internal cracks and crumbling. This leads to increased salt damage to concrete driveways - which is further amplified by the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle.
Salt also lowers the freezing point of water and increases the pressure of frozen water, thereby intensifying the effect of the freeze-thaw cycle. When ice melts, it carries approximately 10% more water than normal. In lower temperatures, this extra water adds additional ice to the concrete upon refreezing, which adds hydraulic pressure to the concrete.
Is Rock Salt Toxic?
Rock salt is toxic for your pets and plants. Its harmful chlorides can also cause health risks to children. salt damages concrete driveways, patios, sidewalks, and hardwood floors. Salt corrodes concrete beneath the surface, resulting in discolored, cracked, and crumbling concrete
Salt reduces the freezing point of water. It increases the pressure of frozen water, amplifying the freeze-thaw cycle’s effect. So if anyone asks you this question, is rock salt poisonous? The answer is yes. It can be deadly for pets, plants, and even concrete and metals.
Non-Toxic and Non-Corrosive Options for Your Home
Salt-free And Natural Ice Melt
There are no toxic chlorides and are non-corrosive. It is safe for pets and plants. Its all-natural ingredients will melt snow without damaging your concrete. It also gives you some lasting protection from snow accumulation.
Sand
Provides traction on the slippery driveway, preventing your friends and family from slipping and falling. It is suitable for traction, IS NOT an ice melter. Moreover, it needs to be cleaned thoroughly. Otherwise, it can clog drains.
Kitty Litter
Kitty litter is similar to sand in that it gives grip for a non-slip surface while not melting snow and ice. Although, it does require some cleaning of the messy residue left behind.
Vinegar
Vinegar includes citric acid, which aids in the melting of snow and ice. However, it may take a few applications. You can use it if you have plenty of time to wait for the melting process to begin, but it is not ideal for immediate effect.
Beet Juice With Sugar
One of the other methods to de-ice your home without salt is to use sugar beet juice. Sugar beet juice decreases the melting point of ice and snow. However, sugar may attract the unnecessary attention of unwanted crawlers and creatures to your driveway. It may also stain your driveway! therefore it would be best to wash your driveway thoroughly after each application to get rid of red patches.
Recap
Salt can dry up your pet’s paws, rust the metal on the underbelly of your car, and damage your plants if it seeps into the soil, in addition to drying out landscapes. Furthermore, salt used on roads and sidewalks is washed into lakes, streams, and groundwater supplies.
Salt may be the cheapest option, but there are alternative options. In addition, there are options to help seal and protect your driveways against salt getting into them and cracking up the concrete during freezing weather.
