In New York, winter brings beautiful scenes of fresh snow blanketing homes and neighborhoods. But underneath the snow-covered landscape some hazards can exist including icy driveways and slippery sidewalks. Choosing the right de-icing product is critical for both safety and property protection. While rock salt (sodium chloride) is common, calcium chloride offers superior performance and fewer drawbacks. Here’s why calcium chloride should be your go-to solution.
Superior Performance in Cold Weather
Calcium chloride starts working immediately and melts ice up to eight times faster than rock salt at 20°F. This means less waiting and fewer applications to keep your walkways safe. It works by generating heat as it dissolves, which helps to speed up ice and snow melt while improving traction.
Calcium chloride works in temperatures as low as -25°F, compared to rock salt, which loses effectiveness below 15°F. Calcium chloride’s ability to generate heat as it dissolves means faster melting and better traction, even during extreme cold snaps – which we can certainly experience here! For example, on a 10°F day, calcium chloride can clear a walkway in 30 minutes compared to several hours for rock salt.
Protects Property; Better for the Environment
Calcium chloride is gentler on surfaces and landscaping when used properly. It reduces freeze-thaw stress on concrete, helping preserve your driveway and steps. Rock salt, on the other hand, can damage concrete, corrode metal, and kill plants.
Rock salt contributes to water salinization and harms aquatic life. Calcium chloride, while not completely risk-free, has a lower environmental impact when applied in moderation.
Do you have pets? While both products can irritate bare paws, calcium chloride is less likely to cause severe harm if you rinse pets’ paws after exposure. For extra caution, consider pet-safe mats or boots during walks.
Cost vs. Value
People will choose rock salt over calcium chloride due to cost - calcium chloride costs more upfront. But because calcium chloride is more effective, you’ll use less, and the benefits in performance and property protection make it a smart up-front investment. Cost can vary by product and season.
Bottom Line
If you want fast, reliable ice melting, protection for your home, and better performance in harsh winter conditions, calcium chloride is the clear winner. Use it sparingly, store it in a dry place, and pair it with good shoveling practices for maximum safety.
Winter Safety Checklist: Using Calcium Chloride
Choose the Right Product. Select calcium chloride pellets or flakes for best performance in extreme cold.
Store Properly. Keep in a dry, sealed container to prevent clumping and maintain effectiveness.
Apply Sparingly. Use only the amount needed—overapplication can harm surfaces and landscaping.
Clear Snow First. Shovel or sweep before applying to maximize melting efficiency.
Protect Pets. Rinse paws after walks; consider pet-safe mats or boots for extra protection.
Monitor Surfaces. Check concrete and metal areas periodically to avoid damage from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Sweep Excess. Remove leftover pellets after melting to reduce environmental impact.
Plan Ahead. Stock up early—prices and availability fluctuate during peak winter months.
Disclaimer
The Albany County Land Bank Corporation has provided this article for informational purposes only. Conditions vary by region, property type, and specific needs. The Albany County Land Bank Corporation is not responsible for any adverse impacts as a result of taking action based on the information provided here.