This time of year, winter weather is in full swing and you may be wondering what type of ice melt is the safest to treat your asphalt with to avoid slip and fall accidents. Snow, ice and the freeze-thaw cycle can all lead to damages to your asphalt surfaces, and some ice melts can even be unsafe for children and pets.
The ingredients in most salt-based ice melts can unfortunately be poisonous to people and animals, resulting in skin burns and stomach irritation if swallowed. They can also cause damage to your surrounding environment by getting into the groundwater.
Then, there is also the issue of ice melt leading to damage to unsealed asphalt and concrete surfaces. Rock salt can cause concrete to absorb more water, which increases the damage caused by the freezing and thawing cycle. If used regularly, rock salt can cause concrete deterioration.
Luckily, there is a perfect option out there that will both protect your parking lot and provide a safe alternative around children and pets. That option is Calcium Magnesium Acetate.
Unlike most rock salt products on the market that only function until about 15 degrees Fahrenheit, Calcium Magnesium Acetate works down to –25 degrees. Being able to perform at such low temperatures means that the asphalt is greatly protected from the risks associated with the freeze-thaw cycle. Safe for asphalt, it is also approved for use around children and pets.
The reason why Calcium Magnesium Acetate is so great for asphalt is that there is absolutely no chlorine in it. Chlorine is the primary reason that other ice melts may eat away at pavement. If the pavement is unsealed, dangerous cracks can form which can eventually cause potholes or weakening of pavement.
With low toxicity to plants and animals, Calcium Magnesium Acetate is also completely biodegradable.
One popular Calcium Magnesium Acetate mixture is the name brand PlaySafe, which is a liquid spray that is applied to paved surfaces prior to storms. This pet-safe compound also comes in a pelletized form, which is easily applied with a spreader. 
When it comes to winter weather, there are several safety risks associated with using just any ice melt. Dangerous cracks or potholes can form over time without use of a protective ice melt like Calcium Magnesium Acetate — and not to mention the risks other ice melts pose to pets and kids.
Choosing a safe ice melt is key to not only protecting loved ones, but also ensuring the longevity of your asphalt parking lot. Parking lot services and maintenance are key in extending the overall lifespan of your pavement, which can become at risk for cracks from exposure to winter ice expansion if not properly sealed or repaired prior to winter. Contact EastCoat Pavement for all your paving and maintenance needs.
