Preventing And Removing Ice From Driveways, Walkways, And Sidewalks
Winter presents certain challenges. Slipping and falling on icy sidewalks is one of them. The result is everything from unsightly bruises to broken bones. The CD Cnotes elderly Americans are at higher risk of this occurring.
When someone in the United States slips and falls on ice, two terms come into play: negligence and liability. These are daily fodder for personal injury lawyers. Fortunately, such scenarios are avoidable. Home and business owners can stop such incidences from occurring by preventing and removing ice from driveways, walkways, and sidewalks. All it requires is being proactive and applying the right type of de-icer or ice melt.
Common Ice Melts
For some individuals, eco-friendly products are the ones they rely on to prevent slip-and-falls on their property. Among the most common ones are:
*Sand
*Kitty Litter
*Wood Ashes
These generally do not actually melt the ice. However, both sand and kitty litter provide increased traction, therefore preventing the ice from inducing falls.
As for actual commercial de-icers, the ones listed below are commonly available on the market.
*Rock salt: Also referred to as sodium chloride, prevents ice-build up and melts existing ice. It is also both readily accessible and inexpensive to purchase. However, it is also corrosive to metals, and research indicates it is harmful to the environment.
*Calcium chloride: This is an ingredient in most traditional commercial ice melt. It effectively tackles the situation even when temperatures dip as low -25 degrees F. However, it leaves behind a slimy residue and is corrosive to metal. As well, it damages vegetation,though not as much as rock salt does.
*Magnesium chloride: This ice melt accomplishes the same tasks as effectively as calcium chloride. However, it is less corrosive. It is also safe to apply to concrete surfaces and does not damage plants as easily.
*Sodium Acetate: Among the different ice melts, this one is the most eco-friendly. It operates effectively at temperatures as low as 0 degrees F. It does not cause metal corrosion. Reapplication is less than it is for other ice melts. However, it is also more expensive.
The above are all options. However, many de-icers do not restrict themselves to using one ingredient. It is less expensive and sometimes even more effective and/or efficient to blend one or more of the ingredients. The result is more confusion for purchasers. Each blended product will possess different characteristics. They differ in terms of:
*Lowest melting temperature
*Corrosive qualities re metals
*Effect on concrete, brick and other structural elements
*Impact on the natural environment
Ice Removal
If you live in Guelph, Ontario, or Columbus OH, icy sidewalks are a basic fact of life during the winter months. Homeowners and businesses have their own way of dealing with this issue. While some may prefer a more environmentally friendly option such as sand or clean kitty litter, others opt for cheap but effective rock salt or calcium chloride. All have their advantages and disadvantages. Be sure you understand the product and its impact on all aspects – both living beings and inanimate objects, of your life, home, neighborhood and beyond, before making any decision.
If you do not understand the specifics, talk to a professional. Use a third-party app such as Edenapp, to find a qualified professional. They can explain the products and processes they use and make recommendations. You can also, by using Apple, Android, or Edenapp.com, find someone to take the worry out of preventing slips-and-falls.