Click here to download the pdf file of the Material Safety Data Sheet for Concrete.
Protect Your New Concrete from Scaling in Winter.
Scaling of concrete is caused by freezing and thawing of concrete in the presence of deicer chemicals. The deicers normally used do not attack concrete, but they create conditions which contribute to rapid freeze-thaw cycles which affect the concrete surface. Deicers which contain ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate fertilizers are chemically corrosive to concrete and should never be used.
It is recommended that ice-removing salts should not be used on the concrete surface during the first winter, especially if the concrete was not placed until fall or winter. Homeowners should be aware that salt used on public roadways may affect sidewalks. The use of sealers can provide additional protection. This protection is especially important for exterior concrete which is placed after September 1. Contact the suppliers listed below for cost and availability of special sealers which can help protect concrete against deicer damage.
Although concrete cannot be guaranteed against scaling, proper construction practices and careful use of deicers will reduce scaling problems.
Farmers Supply, 515 N. Franklin St., Lancaster, PA 17608 - (717) 394-7127
SEI, 1805 Newport Rd., Ephrata, PA 17522 - (717) 859-1840
