Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt

Shoveling snow that has built up around homes and on roads and driveways can be a strenuous task. This is one of the main reasons why ice melters have become the norm in parts of the country that experience colder winter weather. Although rock salt is still considered the most popular type of ice melter, magnesium chloride ice melt is known as a smarter and safer choice.

Advantages of Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt

Typically available in flake form, magnesium chloride ice melt might look like any other deicer but it has attributes that make it preferable to other ice melters. The following are some of the important advantages:

Slow Attack Rate

When over-applied and not used as directed, it is possible that standard ice melters can corrode pavement and other surfaces over time. That is why it’s crucial to choose one that is the least damaging to both properties and vegetation. Among popular choices today, magnesium chloride ice melt is known to be less corrosive. It is less harmful to concrete, walkways and vegetation when used as directed. It attacks pavements very slowly and therefore leaves no visible damage after use. Also, as a natural mineral, magnesium chloride ice melt has been recognized as an environmentally friendly method of melting ice and snow.

Quick Melt and Minimal Residue

Similar to calcium chloride, magnesium chloride melts ice at a quick pace. This is because it is hygroscopic which simply means it that it absorbs moisture. This helps the ice melter to dissolve into a brine faster which instigates the melting of the ice surrounding it. Unlike other ice melters, magnesium chloride ice melt leaves minimal to no residue which makes clean up easy and virtually non-existent.

Cold Temperature

Magnesium Chloride ice melt can melt up to an average of -5°F, which is much lower than the temperature than popular rock salt and urea products. This low temperature advantage makes magnesium chloride a highly suitable melter for residential and commercial use.

Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Cautions

As great as Magnesium Chloride ice melt is, it is still important to know its limitations before making a purchase. Some notable items as follows:

  • It is only 48% active. Magnesium chloride is made up of more water and may become diluted and ineffective after some time. While it dissolves as quickly as calcium chloride, it usually loses its melting capabilities after a short time, requiring you to apply more product in cases when there are excessive amounts of ice and snow to melt.
  • Higher cost. Compared to other ice melters (e.g., rock salt), magnesium chloride is more expensive. With its shorter active state, melting excessive amounts of ice and snow may prove to be difficult and more expensive.
  • It is not as effective in extremely cold temperatures. As mentioned above, magnesium chloride only works down to -5°F. If you are planning to use this type of ice melter during colder temperatures, you will experience reduced results.

On the whole, Magnesium Chloride ice melt is a great option for deicing small amounts of ice and snow on your residential or commercial property. However for extreme temperatures and wider surface areas, other ice melt formulas are recommended.

Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Supplier

Contact Kissner, your bulk Magnesium Chloride Ice Melt Supplier!