Can You Put Salt on Concrete?

Winter can be terrible because of the icy air, snowstorms, and ice. When snow and ice melt, water seeps into the concrete, making it susceptible to freezing again when the temperature drops.

When the water in your concrete freezes, it can expand and put internal pressure on the material, leading to the formation of microscopic fissures. Small portions of the concrete surface may flake off over time as snowfall and melting cycles are repeated, leaving ugly scars on your driveway and walkway.

Nobody wants to take the possibility of slipping on a sidewalk or driveway and ending up in the emergency room, but you also don’t want to make matters worse by choosing the incorrect ice melting product. Although many houses and business owners are concerned about the impacts of salt on concrete, salt can be a popular and reasonably priced option for deicing concrete. Learn how to safely de-ice your walks this winter by understanding what salt does to concrete.

WHAT ACTIVATES SALT IN CONCRETE?

Although salt has long been used to fight ice, according to the Michigan Concrete Association, it can seriously harm your concrete, especially fresh concrete.

Despite being dense and durable, concrete is porous, allowing liquids and gases to travel through it. On cold days and nights, the water will refreeze in the crevices because rock salt (sodium chloride) starts to freeze at 25°F and stays frozen until 70°F. The bonds holding the concrete together may be attacked when the salt’s acidic characteristics penetrate the concrete. As a result, your concrete ages more quickly and develops cracks, voids, and trip hazards. Salt can also leave behind a residue and stain the concrete’s surface.

How to Melt Ice on Concrete Safely

You’ll still need a technique to safely melt ice if you can’t use rock salt or other deicing agents on concrete to avoid slip and fall risks. Because calcium chloride and calcium magnesium acetate have lower freezing points than sodium chloride, you might want to use those items instead.

For older concrete, normal table salt can be used in place of rock salt. Some people advise using pickle brine or even sugar beet juice to safely melt ice on concrete if you’re feeling daring.

CONCRETE SHOULD BE PROTECTED DURING THE WINTER
RLM Retrofit Foundation advises covering your driveway and sidewalk with a clear coating to prevent moisture from seeping into the pavement while yet allowing the concrete to breathe in order to guarantee a flat, safe surface for walking during the winter.

While polyurethane is frequently used to level concrete and fill voids, it can also serve as a sealant to guard your concrete investment against harm throughout the winter. To find out more about our practical solutions or to get a free estimate, get in touch with RLM Retrofit Foundation right now. Throughout our service region, we provide cost-free Foundation Inspection Tarzana estimates. Each written estimate comes with an on-site evaluation of your circumstances and qualified answers to any inquiries you may have about the foundation.

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