Now that Thanksgiving and is over and Christmas is just around the corner, we are all in “Holiday mode”, accumulating snows are not far behind. Often, after snow is removed from paved surfaces it may be necessary to apply salt or other de-icing chemicals to prevent icing from occurring. Depending on outdoor temperatures and sunlight, the skim of snow or ice can be removed with road salt (otherwise called rock salt). In my experience, if the temperatures are over 10 degrees Fahrenheit, salt works fine especially if it about to get sunny. The salt, together with the sun often supplies enough heat to melt off surface ice and snow. During the night hours, more salt may need to be applied a little more heavily. Again, in my experience, under 10 degrees, salt’s effectiveness is lessened; however, the granular textures help in traction and with sufficient traffic may work fine. There is no exact science, that I know of, for application rates as temperatures, sunlight, amount of snow and ice and spreader speed after shoveling can vary. On a typical 40’ X 18’ driveway, 5 – 10 gallons of salt will usually work. More may be needed on north sides as compared to the south facing driveways. In extreme cold, chemicals like Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, or Potassium may need to be used.
When any de-icing chemical is used, it creates heat. This heat may or may not chafe certain materials, like concrete. This often cannot be avoided and must be taken into account. Is a slip and fall more important than a chaffed driveway or walkway? New concrete pavers seem to chafe the least. Check with your installer when considering using a de-icing chemical on concrete surfaces, including stamped concrete. A good question to ask your installer is: Will the use of de-icing chemicals change my warranty?
You should also be careful to apply only as much as you really need so that the environment is least affected. Try to protect your plants from over spray/applications. Everything you apply to the surface eventually ends up in a pond or stream. Try to use only what you need.
For the most part, I think that typical road salt works for most applications. It is usually less expensive and the “grit” helps as well.
Salt may be purchased in bags or in bulk. Companies like A.G. Landscape Materials, sells Bulk Road Salt. A good idea is to purchase it in bulk, by 5 or 30 gallon containers (i.e. garbage cans). The salt can be stored in your garage with a lid and be there when the need arises.
Whatever you decide to use as your de-icing chemical, remember to use only what you need.
Tags: de-icing, Salt, Snow Plow, snow removal, winter services
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