Treated salt dates back to as early as 1986. Since then, it has made its way into many landscape supply establishments. Snowplow contractors and landscape professionals have used treated salt as part of their winter maintenance protocol. Treated salt has various benefits. It is easy to see why treated salt is a top choice for tackling snow and ice that we Canadians experience every winter. The product is manufactured using traditional road salt and additives. The combination has proved to be cost-effective, fast reacting, better for the environment, and much more.

The basics

Treated salt is your typical, average rock salt but on steroids. The additives enhance performance capabilities and durability. The first step in production is to remove any impurities during the refining process. A coating of calcium chloride or magnesium chloride is then applied evenly. The combination enhances the performance of ordinary rock salt. The additive enhancement includes liquid calcium chloride as a corrosion inhibitor; therefore, extending the life of the application equipment. Viscosity modifiers are used for residue, resulting in exceptional performance and the prevention of leaking. Meaning any remnants will lay on the surface, ready to combat the next snowfall. The additive enhancements also include biodegradable colorants to assist with speed and indication of application. Liquid magnesium is also used, which enhances performance by immediately reacting with the icy surfaces.

The benefits

The main benefit of using treated salt is its fast-acting attributes. Secondly, treated salt has less bounce rate. Therefore, during the application process, the material stays put more so than dry salt, which can be blown away from traffic and environmental factors such as wind. A low bounce rate is also beneficial as it saves on the material (less waste). The third benefit is that less product is required to cover the same area as traditional snow and ice removal methods, therefore saving time and money. Treated salt is also environmentally friendly. The select ingredients are biodegradable as the liquid treatments are sourced from the environment. Lastly, treated salt works in temperatures as low as -30°C.

How to incorporate treated salt

Snowplow contractors can use treated salt on various surfaces such as commercial parking lots, highways, sidewalks, and walkways. As a snowplow contractor or landscape professional, when purchasing a treated salt product, be sure to have a good idea of what your client requires from you. Does your client have high traffic areas that require bare pavement at all times? Are there troublesome areas that need a bit more attention? Knowing ahead of time will allow you to prepare the right equipment and the best product to tackle any winter element at any time successfully.

With a variety of ice and snow melting products available, it isn’t easy to know which one is best suited for winter’s many elements. At FSI Landscape Supply, we are well versed in treated salt products. We supply many options for you to choose from. If too many choices seem overwhelming, not to worry, ask one of our professional staff members will guide you in the right direction.