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Sweepers / Landscaping/Grounds Care / Snow Removal Equipment / Slip/Fall Prevention / Ice Melters / Maintenance / Lighting / Signage
August 2011 Maintenance Matters

Don't Alienate Your Parking Lot

Focusing on cleaning and maintenance tasks outside of your facility has its benefits.

August 01, 2012
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Melting Through The Clutter

Another important aspect of parking lot maintenance is snow and ice removal.

JanSan professionals have numerous ice melt choices, and for good reason: Varying circumstances demand different products to get the job done.

Here’s a quick primer to help you find the right product for your needs:

Magnesium chloride

  • Melts down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit (F), with the fastest melting speed above 0 degrees F
  • Safe to handle and safe for vegetation and concrete and hard surface floors — when used as directed
  • Best for use near public entryways and vegetation, and when concrete maintenance is a concern.

    Snow Plow Truck

Calcium chloride

  • Melts down to -25 degrees F
  • Application requires goggles and gloves, and it can harm concrete and vegetation
  • Contains oily substances that can cause slippery floors
  • Best for treating remote areas in extremely cold temperatures.

Sodium chloride (rock salt)

  • Melts down to five degrees F
  • Economical and safe to handle and store around children and pets
  • Must be managed properly if used around vegetation
  • Best for treating large areas and for use in more moderate temperatures.

Blends

  • Typically rock salt blended with magnesium chloride, calcium chloride and other additives such as melting enhancers, color and corrosion inhibitors
  • Provide additional benefits such as enhanced melting power, extended freeze/thaw cycles and coloring to assist with even application
  • Can be economical depending on the ingredients.
Aaron-baunee-headshot

Aaron Baunee, a graduate of the University at Albany with a double major in history and journalism, is the managing editor of Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine. He can be reached at ABaunee@EBSCO.com. In his years with the publication, Baunee has amassed numerous articles, columns and commentaries pertaining to commercial cleaning and maintenance. Baunee encourages readers to communicate editorial ideas to him and welcomes discussions on pertinent industry happenings. Connect through social media: LinkedIn.com/in/AaronBaunee, Facebook.com/CMMOnline and Twitter.com/CMeNewsDaily.

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