How does CMA work?
CMA, like road salt, works best above 20oF (-7oC), and is used at about the same rates as salt. Applied early in the storm, CMA prevents the formation of snow pack and the bonding of ice to the pavement surface. CMA interferes with the ability of snow and ice particles to adhere to each other or to the pavement, and therefore, the loose residue can be easily removed by broom or plow. A key to successful use of CMA is a thorough understanding of the deicer’s performance characteristics. Trained and experienced operators quickly adapt their applications and plowing techniques to take advantage of CMA’s unique properties.