Best Ice Melt Products to Keep Your Driveway Safe This Winter

The dreaded icy driveway—it’s hardly escapable in the unforgiving Canadian winters. They’re not only unpleasant (in basically every way), but they also pose a serious safety risk for your family, visitors, and even pets. Investing in high quality ice melt is essential to keeping your driveway safe and clear throughout the season…and Shepherd’s Hardware is here to help.

We carry a wide variety of the best ice melt products available on the market today. Here are some of the differences between them and which one might be right for you!

Why Choosing the Right Ice Melt Matters

With the variability and often extreme nature of Canadian weather, it’s important that you pick the best product for the job. Not all ice melts are created equal, and selecting the right one can make all the difference. Here are some considerations:

Effectiveness in extreme temperatures

Did you know that some ice melt works better than others in extreme temperatures? Calcium chloride, for example, can melt ice even at -​​25°C. In another part of the world, -25°C might warrant emergency government protocols, but for Canadians? That’s a kind of chilly day in February! 

Prevention of driveway damage

Using the wrong type of ice melt can lead to cracks, stains, and even erosion of your driveway. It might not seem like a big deal in the midst of winter, but when your driveway is exposed and illuminated on a hot summer’s day, you’ll regret using less-than-ideal products to save a buck! The best ice melt products are designed to be less corrosive and protect your driveway long-term.

Environmental impact

Every industry is leaning towards environmentally-friendly, eco-conscious products and services—ice melt is no different. For the homeowner looking to minimize their environmental impact, options like magnesium chloride, which is less harmful to plants and waterways, is a great option. It also tends to be safer for pets.

Top Ice Melt Products Available at Shepherd’s Hardware

Shepherd’s Hardware is your local source for the best ice melt products to suit your needs. Here are some of the top options we carry and would be happy to tell you about on your next visit.

Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is exothermic, meaning it releases heat and works exceptionally well in extremely frigid temperatures (down to  -25°C). Even in the harsh winter cold, it provides fast and effective melting action to get the job done quickly.

Magnesium Chloride

Magnesium chloride is a great eco-friendly option that is safe for pets and gentle on vegetation. Resultantly, it’s also less corrosive on driveways, and may be a more desired option for those who want to mitigate the chance of damage with extended use. 

Rock Salt

Rock salt is a favourite for its cost-effectiveness and solid performance in temperatures hovering around -10°C. If you live in an area with milder conditions, then this is an affordable option you can stock up on to always have on hand.

Ice Melt Blends

Ice melt blends combine the strength of multiple salts in one product, which can be handy for whenever temperatures change suddenly. If you’re looking for a balanced performance that you can use in almost any condition, an ice melt blend might be the choice for you.

How to Use Ice Melt Effectively

Now that you have the right ice melt on hand (or at least know which one to go for the next time you’re at Shepherd’s Hardware), let’s learn how to use it properly. 

1. Pretreat your driveway

Get ahead of the ice by applying an even layer of ice melt to your driveway when you know the snow’s going to fly! It keeps the ice from bonding to the surface, and reduces the effort needed to remove snow later on.

2. Ensure even coverage

There’s nothing worse (well, ice melt wise) than seeing a clump of ice melt around one bare piece of driveway while the rest of it remains frozen solid. Using a scoop or spreader to distribute the ice melt evenly can help you get your money’s worth in terms of coverage.

3. Use the right amount

More is not always better—it can actually lead to harmful environmental side effects and pavement corrosion. Refer to the product label for recommended quantities over a given area, and be sure to follow along!

4. Store properly

If you’re new to ice melt, you’ve not yet experienced the clump-lumps of misery that sometimes await you when it isn’t stored properly. This is the last thing you want to encounter on a day when you need it most. Always keep ice melt in a dry, secure area.

Don’t let icy driveways ruin your winter. With the best ice melt products from Shepherd’s Hardware, you can keep your home safe and protect your driveway all at the same time.

Visit us in Armstrong today to find high-quality ice melt solutions that work for your specific needs. Shop local, stay safe, and enjoy peace of mind this winter!

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