Anybody use "Magic Salt"?

[crashz]

The salt in Magic Salt is just that. But its the added chemicals that give it the performance enhancement. I've used it and it mostly does what it says. I've seen it work with a pavement temp at 0 degress F. Dry salt works to about 27 degrees and dry Mag works to about 15, If my memory is correct. Liquids will bring those numbers down a bit.

I bought a few bags a few years ago and ran them through a walk behind spreader for side walks and small lot. It works very well, but leaves a residue. The residue works as a pre-treatment for the next storm.

I think my pricing for bagged Magic was like $12 per 50 lb bag at the time. Liquid treatment to bulk piles would be much cheaper.

If I had a few clients that required "clean & wet" lots and walks (like doctors and lawyer offices, etc) and are willing to pay for it, I'd use it. Most people won't pay for it though.

As far as corrosion protection, I don't know. I washed my spreader each time I used it and it rusted to pieces in two years. I did use regular salt and magnesium chloride in it as well though.

 

[tulenutn2o]

Sodium chloride is chemically harmless to concrete. Concrete is damaged from the thaw and refreeze of water. That can happen with or with out the use of deicer.

I thought I said proper install and sealing of the concrete. Would you agree then that salt can help accelerate the breakdown of the concrete? Salt draws water,melts ice, and the said freezing breaks up the concrete. Salt helps this process along

 

[Duffster]

I thought I said proper install and sealing of the concrete. Would you agree then that salt can help accelerate the breakdown of the concrete? Salt draws water,melts ice, and the said freezing breaks up the concrete. Salt helps this process along

Used properly it will slow it down.

 

[Duffster]

Pick your poison:

PCA - Cement & Concrete Technology

Deicing Salt and Concrete

Lots of misinformation from "ask the builder".

 

[tulenutn2o]

Then it would only be classified as a catalyst.

Regardless of the definition, damage is done through the use of salt. Whether through poor concrete, poor install, poor use of chemical, whatever. U can mince worlds all you want, but to tell people that salt does no damage, or does not facilitate damage, is blatantly false.

 

[Duffster]

Regardless of the definition, damage is done through the use of salt. Whether through poor concrete, poor install, poor use of chemical, whatever. U can mince worlds all you want, but to tell people that salt does no damage, or does not facilitate damage, is blatantly false.

False how so? Salt has NO effect on the concrete. The salt effects water/ice. Water and ice effects concrete not salt.

Poor concrete will disintegrate with or with out the use of deicer.

 

[tulenutn2o]

False how so? Salt has NO effect on the concrete. The salt effects water/ice. Water and ice effects concrete not salt.

Poor concrete will disintegrate with or with out the use of deicer.

Did u miss the word facilitate? Technically wood doesn't burn either, but is universally understood that it does put off heat.

 

[Duffster]

Did u miss the word facilitate?

No. .....

Technically wood doesn't burn either, but is universally understood that it does put off heat.

So what is burning?

 

[Sumpter]

Why use anything at all? Deal with the ice or move to a warmer climate. I have seen what salt can do to a vehicle in Michigan and it isn't worth it to me. IMO.

 

[tulenutn2o]

So I have this 4x4 chunk of pine in the garage. Is it giving off heat now? Technically, burning wood is an exothermic reaction. Give it up guys! Even my one source listed earlier (Portland Cement Association) said that there are conflicting studies.

Spoken like a true Engineer.