“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”, originally written in 1945, was penned in Hollywood, California during a summer heat wave. While this song is synonymous with the upcoming holidays, the invitation that the song implies to “Let it Snow” is a real threat to people like Facility Managers, Operations Managers, and Building Service Contractors. As the summer months begin to come to an end, thoughts begin to turn toward winter; how to best protect sidewalks and protect entryways from damage, and how to protect employees from slip and fall accidents.

Slip/fall accidents can become extremely costly for companies. Standard slip/fall costs can be in excess of $40,000 from paying for worker’s compensation, medical fees, or short-term disability. Getting the pavement free of ice and moisture, keeping them dry will result in less of a liability and risk. The first step to creating a successful, ice-free walkway is to choose to the right ice melt for the right situation. This graphic from Consumer Reports and the guide below it will help determine the best course of action.

types of ice melt

Choosing the Right Ice Melt

  • What surface is going to be treated and where will the runoff go?
  • How will areas beyond the deicer be affected?
  • Where will the runoff of the deicer go? Keep in mind, this could lead to downstream environmental issues
  • I have new concrete – What I can do or what I can’t do? Be sure to remember that repaving concrete can cost anywhere from $3.00 to $10.00 per square foot
  • What climate zone am I located, and what ice melt should I match up with the appropriate weather?
  • What is my actual “total” cost per pound? Keep in mind, be sure to calculate all repairs, materials, and labor into the square footage

 

Ice Melt Application and Storage Tips

Application

  • Take note of possible temperature and temperature changes throughout the week, and adjust your application rates. If you are applying at or near the product’s low-temperature rating, use the maximum rate listed on the package
  • Once the ice and snow soften, remove excess slush and melter from the pavement for good surface maintenance and to prevent re-freezing
  • Re-apply the melt as necessary

Storage Tips

  • Be sure to store the ice melt in a dry place to prevent damage
  • Close and reseal the package tightly to keep the product dry, or place in a moisture-proof container. If over-exposed to moisture ice melters can harden and cake. If this occurs, break it down before spreading
  • Keep out of reach of pets and children due to warnings

Ice Melt Do’s and Don’ts

  • Not using it at all – Good snow and ice control is a large part of slip/fall prevention
  • Using too much – Excessive application rates will not improve the performance of the ice melt
  • Applying it incorrectly – Be sure to read the directions. Reapplying ice melt is the ideal practice as an initial deterrent before snow falls
  • Using the wrong kind of ice melt – It is important to use ice melters that melt to temperatures that occur in your area
  • No cleanup – Tracked in ice melt is unattractive and has potential to damage floors. Therefore, be sure to purchase matting for inside buildings, and use a neutralizer
  • Freshly poured concrete or new concrete less than one-year-old – you should not use ice melt. The option here would be sand or kitty litter.

 

The Wrong Ice Melt Can Be Costly

Be sure to consult your supplier before purchasing ice melt. Buying the incorrect ice melt for your specific application can lead to costly damage later. If you do use the wrong kind, these are some of the consequences that may occur:

  • Stone floors scratch and need repair
  • VCT and linoleum dull and need to be restored
  • Carpet fibers get torn and prematurely wear
  • Wood absorbs water and salt and begins to crack and lift

Concrete gets pitted and is in need of repair as shown below.

damaged concrete

Prior to using ice melt, be sure to purchase and use floor protectorates to ensure that your flooring is not damaged.

  • Water-based protectorates help keep your floors protected
  • Use emPac “Protect” for stone floors
  • Resilient VCT protectorates provide additional coverage
  • Floor Films can give added protection in areas of concern if you are not able to service them immediately

Planning ahead with the “total” cost structure will enable you to adequately measure the success of keeping Old Man Winter out of your buildings. Selecting the right ice melter and applying it correctly is 50% of the battle. The other 50% is proper (right match/fit) matting and the directional positioning of the mats.

Remember the overuse of ice melt does not add any benefit other than waste, and applying before the storm is critical to the success.

Invite a FlexPAC Solution Provider to look at your outside of your facility to identify any previous damage to concrete or foliage and recommend the right ice melting solution going forward. They will also look at all of your entrance areas to determine the walk-off distance, recommending the correct matting to keep the winter elements and salt out. This solution will help prevent unnecessary allocation of labor to repair floors and clean up.

LET IT SNOW!

Ready to buy?

FlexPAC has a wide variety of ice melt and salts to fit every facility and surface need.