Freezing and thawing of concrete in the presence of deicer chemicals can cause concrete scaling. The deicers normally used do not attack concrete, but they create conditions that contribute to rapid freeze-thaw cycles that affect the concrete surface. Deicers that 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 might affect sidewalks. The use of sealers can provide additional protection. This protection is especially important for exterior concrete that is placed after September 1. Contact the Lancaster County, PA suppliers listed below for cost and availability of special sealers that 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 Street
Lancaster, PA 17608
(717) 394-7127

Stephenson Equipment, Inc. (SEI)
1805 Newport Road
Ephrata, PA 17522
(717) 859-1840