Ice melt on fresh concrete?

[Quattro Pete]

I've read to avoid using any kind of ice melt product on young concrete (during first winter). My last driveway got chipped pretty bad after a few winters.

But I've got a bunch of people coming over tomorrow, some with kids, and I don't want anyone slipping and breaking a leg.

I've read that CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) is supposed to be a safer alternative, alas, it seems to be impossible to find. Does HD or Lowe's or Ace sell anything that's safe(er) for concrete?

Thanks!

 

[I<3oil]

Get some sand and throw down?

 

[spasm3]

Sand, birdseed ( with millet).

 

[slacktide_bitog]

See if you can find Diamond Crystal Sno-Paws, Morton Safe-T-Pet, or Safe Thaw. Sometimes you can find one of them at a supermarket

Are you near a Blain's Farm and Fleet?

 

[Boomer]

I always use urea on concrete. Not as efficient as salts but it works and causes zero spalling. I buy it at a store that sells lawn and golf course fertilizers.

 

[97prizm]

I've read to avoid using any kind of ice melt product on young concrete (during first winter). My last driveway got chipped pretty bad after a few winters.

But I've got a bunch of people coming over tomorrow, some with kids, and I don't want anyone slipping and breaking a leg.

I've read that CMA (calcium magnesium acetate) is supposed to be a safer alternative, alas, it seems to be impossible to find. Does HD or Lowe's or Ace sell anything that's safe(er) for concrete?

Thanks!

Pet safe deicer usually says concrete safe, I'm fairly sure even on new concrete.

 

[dlundblad]

Use sand. We are in a similar situation. Makes a mess, but it’s better than falling.

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I'd go sand. My thought, anything that melts the ice means water gets into the small porous openings and then refreezes. Water expanding makes more little tiny openings, process repeats.

Same thing will happen with rain first then really cold so who knows.

 

[shortyb]

How long is the walk? If not too long, you could get some cheap door mats or longer runners to throw down. In the past, I have used old carpet remnants to throw down when I needed to get out on the driveway and didn't have time for ice melt to do it's thing.

 

[TnT_M]

I have used sand and ashes on my concrete driveway. Both are a mess and track everywhere but we have a decent slope so no choice if there is ice.

The ashes are free from my smoker and grill.

 

[Owen Lucas]

I find that if you remove the snow close enough to the concrete, the sun will usually burn off remaining snow and moisture. Can't be certain enough though, especially for legal reasons. I agree with the everyone else, go with sand if you are worried about the concrete.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

I always use urea on concrete. Not as efficient as salts but it works and causes zero spalling. I buy it at a store that sells lawn and golf course fertilizers.

Pet safe deicer usually says concrete safe, I'm fairly sure even on new concrete.

The Morton pet-safe ice melt is urea

 

[Foreman04]

Cat litter is also an option. There are many types so you need to pick the right product. I can’t tell you which is best cause I haven’t used it before, but I know some people do.

 

[Quattro Pete]

The Morton pet-safe ice melt is urea

Yup. I picked some up from Blain's. Thanks!

 

[Quattro Pete]

I find that if you remove the snow close enough to the concrete, the sun will usually burn off remaining snow and moisture.

Sun? What's that? We don't get much of it during winter, plus the sidewalk is north facing, so always in the shade.

 

[doitmyself]

Sun? What's that? We don't get much of it during winter, plus the sidewalk is north facing, so always in the shade.

Yes! Michigan ranks in the top 10 for most cloudy days. Not good if you suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder (Sad).

 

[Pablo]

Years ago (20+) I used some snow melt on very sloped lower driveway part (exposed aggregate) that was at least 6-8 years old. Absolutely exploded the concrete and kept "working" and chewing for years. What a mess. I had to replace it. Luckily it broke in removable hunks and ground up bits. I put forms up, re-bar, bonding agent on the old solid parts. It came out nice, even my brother who was skeptical said it was great. People bought the house, no issues - BUT Never again!

No I don't remember the brand or chemical. It said concrete safe all over the bag though.

 

[CT Rob]

sand it and then sweep or blow it off once driveway is dry.

 

[MNgopher]

Sand is your best bet period. Lots of products claim to be concrete friendly that are not.