Be prepared to keep your steps, sidewalks, driveways, roadways, and parking lots safer and ice-free. At Lurvey, we have a variety of ice melt options to meet your needs regardless of whether you are trying to de-ice your own home or a large business parking lot. Depending on whether you are facing higher temperatures or subzero temperatures, we can help with the right product to get the job done.
Rock Salt (sodium chloride):
Rock salt is among the least expensive products you’ll find that melts the ice, but it’s also one of the harshest ice melts you can apply for both your hardscape and softscape. It can be safe on pavers and natural stones when used in temperatures at or above 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but at temperatures lower than 15 degrees Fahrenheit, rock salt begins to become ineffective. Also, when the potential for melting and refreezing is a concern, it is not the best option for pavers and natural stone because if the melted solution enters the porous stone and refreezes, pavers and natural stone are at risk for spalling and cracking. Sodium chloride can be harmful to softscapes as well because when it dissolves, it can burn grass as well as the shallow roots of trees, shrubs, and perennials.
Calcium Chloride:
This ice melt is an excellent option for concrete, paver driveways, and walkways. This product is extremely fast-acting as it attracts moisture quickly to form a liquid solution that propels the ice melting process, essentially beginning to melt ice on contact. This product works at the lowest temperature range, down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit, and can almost eliminate the chances of refreezing! These characteristics make it one of the safest products to use on concrete and natural stone but it is also the least cost-effective ice melt solution.
Ice Melt Blends:
There are several options that all feature a blend of various ice melt products. These blends typically combine sodium chloride with other products including other chlorides, wetting agents, as well as organic carbohydrates. These blends can offer an effective ice melt that performs to temperatures as low as -20 degrees Fahrenheit, is safer for hardscapes and landscapes, and is also more cost-effective than other products. Blended ice melts are formulated to utilize the best attributes of each component without raising costs.
We carry a selection of ice melt options in bags that are appropriate for many situations. Treated rock salt is also available in bulk and sold by the ton.
Rock Salt / Treated Sodium Chloride
- Treated with an anti-caking agent
- 50 lb. bags, 49/skid; 882/truck
- Natural color
- Melts to 5 degrees F
Rock Salt / ‘BLUE’ Sodium Chloride
- Treated with an anti-caking agent
- 50 lb bags, 49/skid; 882/truck
- Tinted royal blue
- Melts to 5 degrees F
Lightning Premium Ice Melter
- Organic carbohydrate acts as a lubricant allowing free flow through spreaders
- 50 lb. bags, 49/skid; 882 per truck
- Tinted aqua color
- Melts to -20 degrees F
Ice Burner Responsible Ice Melter
- Blend of Sodium Chloride, Beet Extract, and CMA
- Pet and Vegetation Friendly
- 50 lb. bags, 49/skid; 882 per truck
- Tinted green
- Melts to -20 degrees F
Peladow Calcium Chloride Pellets
- 50 lb. bags, 55/skid; 990 truck
- White pellet
- Melts to -25 degrees F
What Ice Melt Is Safe for Pavers?
If you are looking for ice melt that is safe for pavers, the best options are calcium chloride and blended ice melts. These products work in colder temperatures and help reduce the melt and refreeze issues that can damage porous pavers and natural stone.
- Best options: Calcium chloride and ice melt blends
- Use caution: Rock salt (sodium chloride) can be safe on pavers and natural stone at or above 15°F, but it becomes less effective below 15°F and is not the best choice when melting and refreezing is a concern
- Avoid refreeze risk: When meltwater enters porous stone and refreezes, pavers and natural stone are at risk for spalling and cracking. Calcium chloride is fast-acting and can almost eliminate refreezing risk, which helps protect hardscapes
| Ice Melt Type | Lowest Effective Temperature | Safe for Pavers? | Landscape / Pet Safety | Cost Consideration |
| Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) | 15°F+ (treated melts to 5°F) | OK at 15°F+; avoid melt/refreeze on porous stone | Can burn grass and shallow roots | Low cost; harsh option |
| Calcium Chloride | -25°F | Great for concrete and paver driveways/walkways | Safer on hardscapes; use care near plants | Least cost-effective |
| Ice Melt Blends | As low as -20°F | Safer for hardscapes than straight rock salt | Safer for landscapes than rock salt | More cost-effective |
| Lightning Premium Ice Melter | -20°F | Blend option for hardscapes | Easier on landscapes than rock salt | Cost-effective blend |
| Ice Burner Responsible Ice Melter | -20°F | Blend option for hardscapes | Pet and vegetation friendly | Cost-effective blend |
