Ice melting compounds

Winter is soon to arrive.  Are there safe ice melting compounds for
use on high traffic granite sidewalks and steps?  In the past we
have caused great damage with melting salts to granite side walls,
walks, historic monumental decorative bronze entrance doors and
other bronze objects that are directly in the path of heavy salts.
Although we provide heavy Quill Tuff rugs at the exterior and
interior entrances, salts are also tracked into the building and
onto is historic ceramic flooring.  What are the chemicals that I
should avoid when looking for a safer, less destructive but reliable
product?

Barbara Strobridge
Preservation Project Manager


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:25
                Distributed: Friday, September 21, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-25-012
                                  ***