Walking out on a wintery morning to find a slippery sidewalk can be frustrating, but it’s never a good idea to throw caution to the wind and pour rock salt without thinking. While rock salt is an effective deicing agent, there are some do’s and don’ts that everyone should be aware of if they want to use it safely while maximizing its potential benefits. In this article, we’ll explore what those dos and don’ts are so you can make sure your sidewalks remain free of ice through even the coldest months of the year.
DO use rock salt when temperatures are above 20°F for best results
When temperatures drop below 20°F, rock salt is your best bet for keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow. Rock salt prevents the formation of dangerous black ice by causing a chemical reaction with the moisture in the air. It also helps to lower the freezing point of water so that any precipitation will immediately turn into slush instead of building up layers of ice on walkways and driveways. Whether you need it for DIY projects or large-scale maintenance, rock salt for sale is available year-round at hardware stores and online retailers. Have a stockpile ready before winter sets in so you’re prepared if temperatures plummet during cold snaps.
DON’T apply rock salt to concrete surfaces – it can cause damage
When dealing with icy concrete surfaces, it’s important to remember that rock salt should not be used for de-icing. Rock salt is highly corrosive and can severely damage concrete. Instead, consider using an organic de-icer like calcium chloride or plant-based de-icers that use non-toxic compounds. These are safer for humans and animals living near the de-iced areas too! It’s also important to track weather forecasts, as some warmer temperatures may be enough to melt off any ice without needing to resort to a chemical solution at all. Taking these measures helps preserve your concrete surfaces so they last longer and remain safe for everyone in the vicinity.
DO apply the salt evenly and to the full area you need deiced
Winter arrives with its own unique set of challenges, one of which is navigating icy surfaces. To help keep you safe and remove a potentially hazardous obstacle, an effective method is to use salt or ice melt products. When applying it, be sure to spread it evenly over the entire area needing deicing. Though it may seem quicker and more efficient to focus solely on the most dangerous areas, spreading the product out across more ground helps ensure that all patches are covered adequately and effectively. With safety being a priority, don’t forget to apply salt evenly at the beginning of winter season.
DON’T leave it in one spot as it can melt too quickly and be ineffective
Before purchasing liquid deicer bulk, it is important to keep several things in mind. Firstly, if the deicer is left outdoors in one spot, it can potentially melt due to exposure to the elements. This can make it significantly less effective at providing traction and ultimately ruin your investment. To preserve its potency and effectiveness, you must regularly move the bulk deicer around throughout your property. You should also be conscious of overall temperature because cooler environments will allow the substance to maintain its optimal efficacy for longer periods of time compared with warmer temperatures. Taking these steps is essential for all outdoor installations involving liquid deicer.
DO reapply throughout winter to keep areas from refreezing
Now that winter is on the way and temperatures are getting cooler, it’s important to reapply salt generously to keep icy roads and surfaces from refreezing. When using rock salt, remember that it tends to work best in temperatures around 15°F or higher, so be sure to use extra care in colder conditions. For optimal effectiveness, shovel heavy snowdrifts away before spreading the salt — it will help increase visibility of the road and provide more space for it to get absorbed into the ice. While reapplication can take time and effort, adhering to it can go a long way in making sure roads stay clear through even the harshest of winters.
DON’T overuse as it can harm plant life, animals and aquatic systems
As the world population continues to rise, the demand for resources also grows exponentially. Unfortunately this increase in resource demands can lead to overuse of certain items and a strain on ecosystems when not regulated properly. Overuse of natural resources can deplete them beyond their ability to regenerate, thus damaging plant life, animal species and aquatic systems adversely. The use of single-use plastics is one example of how human activity can hurt surrounding environments. Throughout the world different organizations are actively attempting to make meaningful improvements to reduce overconsumption and its potential harmful side effects. It is essential that everyone take responsibility in utilizing resources wisely if we plan to preserve our planet for future generations.
Conclusion
Rock salt is a great tool to help battle icy weather during the winter months. However, there are important steps you need to follow in order to get the best results. Make sure temperatures are above 20°F before applying salt, avoid concrete surfaces as it can cause damage, spread it evenly and over the entire area being deiced, reapply throughout winter and try not to be overzealous with your salt usage. When choosing a rock salt for your home use, safely search for “salt near me” and check reviews from other customers – better yet, ask neighbors and friends who have used a certain brand – they can provide valuable information regarding reliability and price. Heed this advice and you will stay safe during the colder months.
