At Everton Ridge, we are proud to build homes in communities that showcase the beauty of every single season. Stunning lakes, mountains, and trees perform beautifully as they offer something new with each passing month. Of course, the Canadian winter does present a unique set of challenges. One being snowy and icy conditions. To help you keep your pathways free of hazards, we wanted to share a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when using ice melt this Winter.
Know Your Options
Before you go out to make a purchase, you may want to research your options first. After all, there are tons of different ice melts on the market today. They come in all sorts of different forms from pellets to liquids, and there are ones specific to certain surfaces or temperatures. Additionally, there are ones that are designed to be more gentle and therefore safe to use around vegetation and pets and children. There are also online resources available that will teach you how to make your own using household products. So, the first thing you need to know is that you have a wide range of options to choose from. Do you research to decide on the best option for your purposes?
Know the Temperature Ratings
Not all ice melts are created equal. What may be good enough for one area of the world may not be for your corner of it. So be sure to check the temperature rating to see how low the ice melt is still effective at. Especially if you live in an area where it regularly dips below freezing temps.
Know the Surface Being Treated
Another thing you want to take into consideration is what materials the ice melt is being applied to. For instance, while concrete driveways and pathways are hardy, a wooden deck may not be. To prevent causing accidental damage, be sure to read up on the instructions and cautions on the ice melt that you have on hand.
In a similar vein, most household flooring is sensitive to the chemicals used in ice melts. For this reason, it would be wise to avoid tracking any into your home if possible. Perhaps consider keeping a boot tray by the door for a quick and easy place to stash your shoes.
When used properly, ice melt is a powerful tool. Hopefully equipped with these tips you can use it to your advantage throughout the cold season.
