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Can I use salt to melt snow and ice off your steps? |
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We strongly discourage the use of rock salt to melt snow and ice from our steps. Use of rock salt will void your warranty.
If you wish to melt snow and ice from your step, use a calcium based melter and follow the manufacturers instructions. The packaging of the product you select should contain a statement that the product is safe to use on properly cured concrete. Your step would be considered properly cured after it is one year old.
The greatest potential for damage to precast concrete steps during the winter months can be attributed to the freeze/thaw cycle. The freeze/thaw cycle is a natural process and there is no way to eliminate it. Simply put, the freeze thaw cycle begins with the absorption of water (melted ice) into the concrete which is porous. After the water is absorbed, and the temperature drops, the water freezes and it expands. This expansion within the concrete causes pressure to build up and can lead to scaling or popouts. Fortunately, The Step Guys anticipate this situation and add various additives to our proprietary concrete mix designs. These mix designs are partnered with our finishing process and help to lower the potential risk for the damaging effects of the freeze/thaw cycle in our steps.
You are also an important partner in this process if you choose to use melters or deicers on your steps. Use of these products increase the number of freeze/thaw cycles because you will have more water (melted ice) with the potential for more water absorption into the concrete. The Step Guys strongly recommend that after you use an ice melter and it changes the ice to slush, remove the slush from the steps as soon as possible. This will reduce the number of freeze/thaw cycles and potential for damage to your steps.
If you require further information or have additional questions please contact us directly.
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