Ice Melting FAQ

We’ve been using regular old salt on our driveway for years, do we really need anything special?

Rock salt is great for melting ice in moderate temperature climates and Diamond Crystal® Winter Melt® ice melter is a fine product for that task. But when the temperature falls below 5° degrees Fahrenheit (-15° C), you should consider products that contain additional ice melting ingredients like the Jiffy Melt® or Flash Melt® brands, which are more effective at lower temperatures.

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Do I have to follow the package instructions for ice melter?

Yes. Proper application is important for the optimal performance and safety of any ice melting product. More product does not necessarily mean better performance.

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What if my pet eats ice melter?

The ingredients found in most common ice melters are non-toxic and if used with proper care and according to usage instructions should not cause problems for your pet. They are, however, chemical ingredients and all ice melters should be treated just like any other at-home chemical product (regardless of brand or claim) and kept out of the reach of pets. If ingested in large enough quantities, the ice melter could cause sickness or harm. If you suspect that your pet has ingested ice melter, you should contact your veterinarian for recommended treatment.

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Is it safe for my pet to walk on ice melter?

Ice melters work by reducing the freezing point of water. This means that the melted ice and snow (a brine) has a lower freezing point than water. Care should be taken to prevent pets from walking on this brine as a pet could experience frostbite due to the lower temperatures.

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What if my child eats ice melter?

The ingredients found in most common ice melters are non-toxic, but they are chemical ingredients. All ice melters should be treated just like any other at-home chemical product (regardless of brand or claim) and kept out of the reach of children because if ingested could cause sickness or harm. If you suspect that your child has ingested ice melter, you should contact your physician or local poison control agency immediately.

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Will ice melter hurt my carpeting or wood floor?

With proper application and ice removal, ice melter should leave little film or residue. Any extra residue carried in from people’s boots and shoes should be either sponged up with water before it dries or vacuumed promptly once dry.

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Can I use ice melter on my deck?

You should contact the manufacturer of your decking or sidewalk materials prior to using any ice melter for their recommendation. We do not recommend using ice melter on wood decks, brick sidewalks or patios or the new non-wood decking material.

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Will ice melter hurt my grass and shrubs?

Any ice melter can harm grass and shrubs if it is applied excessively so that it runs off of the targeted surface. Always follow package directions.

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Will ice melter damage the concrete?

Freeze/thaw cycling is the cause of nearly all winter concrete damage. To reduce the risk of this damage, you should apply ice melters according to package instructions. You may also apply a quality water-repelling sealant to the surface prior to winter. Finally, you should promptly remove the snow, ice and slush that develops on the concrete after applying the ice melter.

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Can your deicing salt be used on roofs to remove ice dams?

We do not recommend using packaged ice melters for ice dam removal. Ice dams are often the result of heat loss through the roof. The best solution is to consult a roof expert to prevent heat loss and ice dams from developing. There are a variety of methods that have been used to remove ice from roofs. Since there are a variety of options and a variety of roofing materials, you should consult your homeowners insurance, or a professional roofer to determine the best method of removal for your type of roof.

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