How and When to Use Driveway salt
Learn about proactive salting and responsible usage for driveway salt! De-ice driveway and walkway surfaces without damaging your concrete!
Not only are icy surfaces hard to walk safely on - as they pose risks of slips and falls - they also increase the risk of car accidents. Salting a driveway is a crucial winter maintenance task that helps prevent ice buildup and improves overall safety.
Using driveway salt or other ice melt products is a common practice for homeowners looking for simple and effective snow and ice removal. As simple as it is, there are a few tricks to it and understanding the right approach to salting not only enhances its effectiveness but also prolongs the life of your driveway and landscaping. This article delves into the intricacies of using driveway salt. Let’s go over when, how, and why to apply driveway salt, while considering factors like pet safe options and minimizing environmental runoff!
Driveway salt, often referred to as ice melt salt or deicing salt, in its basic form, refers to chemical compounds used to lower the freezing point of water. This keeps ice from forming and melts existing ice on concrete surfaces like driveways and sidewalks.
There are several types of salt available, and each has its unique characteristics and pros and cons:
Rock salt, or sodium chloride (NaCl), is the most common and affordable type. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, but its effectiveness diminishes in extremely cold temperatures, like below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is often referred to as road salt when used on larger roadways and is often used on freeways and highways unless it is an exceptionally cold region. In that case, the next ice option is better.
Calcium chloride (CaCl2) works at lower temperatures than rock salt does. It will be effective down to -25 degrees Fahrenheit! It is a fast-acting deicer that generates heat as it dissolves, accelerating the melting process. If you are in Siberia or Fairbanks or Yukon, this is the salt for you!
Magnesium chloride (MgCl2) is the gentler option. It is much less destructive on concrete and vegetation compared to rock salt. It works at lower temperatures, around -13 degrees Fahrenheit and is less corrosive.
Potassium chloride (KCl) is another deicing option that is considered environmentally friendly. However, it is less effective at lower temperatures than calcium or magnesium chloride, and is effective down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
The choice you make about the type of salt to use in your case depends on factors like temperature, environmental concerns, and, of course, budget. Calcium and magnesium chloride are preferred in colder climates, while rock salt or NaCl is a good choice for moderate temperatures. Brands like Safestep or Road Runner offer various blends of the different types of deicers as well!
Salt disrupts the formation of ice crystals by lowering the freezing point of water. This prevents ice from bonding to the driveway surface, making snow melt and shoveling the area easier. With less ice, there is less risk of slipping or falling and getting hurt! So that is a very good reason to salt your driveway. This is particularly important if your driveway is sloped and on spots like the walkway up to your front door.
Speaking of sloped driveways, salting your driveway will make getting up and down much easier and safer. Salting also prevents vehicles from getting stuck in snow and ice, reduces tire slippage and improves overall vehicle safety.
You should always try to salt before you need it. Salting proactively before a storm hits prevents ice from bonding to the driveway surface, making snow melt and removal easier. This approach also minimizes the amount of salt needed.
If it has already snowed and you want to ice, apply salt shortly after snow or ice has accumulated so that you can get the melting process started. The earlier you get the salt on the ice, the less risk there is for formation of thick, stubborn ice layers.
The ideal temperature range for using driveway salt is generally between 20 degrees Fahrenheit and 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Below these temperatures, salt becomes less effective, and alternatives like calcium or magnesium chloride should be considered. In extremely freezing temperatures, salt may not work at all!
First you need to decide how much to use. A general guideline is to use about 1/4 cup of salt granules per square meter. Over-salting can damage the driveway and surrounding environment, so it is important not to over use it. Not only can it damage your driveway, but it can harm your landscaping and the environment generally.
To spread the salt around, there are salt spreaders, both manual and mechanical. Mechanical spreaders are ideal for larger driveways, while manual spreaders work just fine for smaller areas.
For effective ice melt, apply salt in thin layers. But keep in mind, a second layer may be needed for heavy snowfall or ice that is not melting as expected. It is always easier to melt the ice if the salt is on the dry surface, so try to apply the salt before the ice forms.
Washing off leftover salt after winter will help prevent damage to the driveway and the surrounding environment. Use a garden hose or pressure washer to remove salt runoff. You can avoid problems proactively by only using as much salt as you need and using the right type of salt. If you think you will use salt a lot during the winters you may want to consider sealing your concrete surfaces and asphalt driveways to create a protective barrier.
Table salt is sodium chloride, but it is finely ground and can clump, making it less effective than rock salt. Rock salt is also cheaper.
Excessive salt use can damage concrete and asphalt over time. Remember to use recommended amounts and consider less corrosive alternatives. You can also have your concrete surfaces sealed to protect them.
If you have stubborn ice, you should reapply salt as needed. This is especially true after heavy snowfall or rainfall.
Salt is less effective below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. In extremely cold areas, use alternatives like calcium or magnesium chloride.
The melting time depends on factors like temperature, ice thickness, and the type of salt you are using. But generally, you can count on it taking anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours.
Salting your driveway is important for safety and the ability to get outside without slipping or falling. By understanding the types of salt, application techniques, and temperature considerations, you can lower your risk by preventing ice buildup. Using salt also improves traction making it easier for you to walk on it or for you to drive your car on the surface. Remember to be proactive with your salting and consider alternatives when it makes more sense!
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