Winter Snow and Concrete… KEEP from damaging your Concrete in the winter!!
TAKE CARE OF YOUR CONCRETE
SURFACES WARNING
USE OF DEICERS ON YOUR NEW DRIVE, SIDEWALK OR PATIO COULD BE HARMFUL
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION ANNOUNCES ENFORCEMENT POLICY REGARDING DECEPTIVE REPRESENTATIONS OF
CHEMICAL PRODUCTS USED TO MELT SNOW AND ICE.
‘The Federal Trade Commission has investigated reports of damage to concrete surfaces caused by chemical products marketed for use in melting snow and ice on sidewalks, driveways, and other concrete surfaces. Such products contain and rely on calcium chloride, ammonium sulphate, nitrates, or other chemicals for their effectiveness.” “Although these products are often represented to be safe for use on concrete, it appears that their use may result in flaking and scaling of concrete surfaces to which they are applied too” “Consumers should be alert to the possibility that use of chemical products to melt snow and ice may cause damage to their concrete surfaces, contrary to the representations made for such products. “
The Commission believes that each manufacturer and distributor of these products should carefully review its advertising, catalogs, labels, and other media and determine whether it is complying with the guidelines set forth in this statement.
You wouldn’t use a strong caustic soap to clean your carpet. Nor would you use acid to clean your kitchen or bathroom fixtures. In fact, you’re pretty careful how you clean and take care of your home inside, but what about outside concrete walks, drives, patio, porch and steps? Give the exposed concrete around your house the same consideration as your interior. It’s quality concrete, but don’t abuse it.
Avoid using any deicing chemical the first winter if at all possible. The only safe material to use to make the concrete surface skid resistant is plain sand.
Under usual conditions, deicers which contain sodium chloride (common salt) or calcium chloride may be used after the first winter. Even then it is helpful if a surface sealer is applied in the fall. Check with your builder for sealers. These can be painted or sprayed on.
Never use deicers containing ammonium sulphate or ammonium nitrate. These chemicals are often packaged and sold as deicers but they will rapidly disintegrate concrete. A quality penetrating sealer will add years to the life of your concrete. Many good proprietary brands are available or use boiled linseed oil & mineral spirits mixed 50/50.
REMEMBER
1. AVOID THE USE OF ANY DEICERS FIRST YEAR
2. USE SAND (PLAIN) ANYTIME
3. NEVER USE DEICERS CONTAINING AMMONIUM NITRATE OR AMMONIUM SULPHATE
4. THE APPLICATION OF A PENETRATING CONCRETE SEALER WILL PROTECT SURFACE FROM DEICERS AND MAKE SNOW & ICE REMOVAL EASIER