Public safety and mobility are a priority, especially when you own a business, building, or property. As a property owner, you have the ability to control the amount of salt being used. If you are a snow removal contractor, then perhaps this information can be useful to you as well. A property owner and contractor are responsible for ensuring safety, keeping disruption to surrounding businesses low, and keeping environmental factors in mind with surrounding wildlife, water drainage, and ecosystems. With your local de-icing salt supplier’s assistance, choosing the right type of salt will secure a safe winter.

Temperature and weather conditions

To enhance the effectiveness of the salts’ chemical reactions deciphering weather conditions will be a significant component. If the temperature of the pavement remains above freezing temperatures, in this case, anti-icing solutions such as brine are advisable. Pre-wetting treatments can be used before severe weather conditions arrive.

Brine/ pre-wetting agents will help prevent ice and snow from adhering to the pavement. Ensuring easy removal at an increased rate. Therefore, paths are clearer and easier for the public to navigate. With lower temperatures, a combination of salt and sand are sufficient applications. Taking note of the temperature does not mean turning on the weather channel. It is important to note the pavement surface temperature as well. To determine temperature, an infrared thermometer can be used to monitor the temperature of the pavement surface.

Before a storm hits, or just at the beginning of the anticipated weather condition, salt should be applied. If there is any residual de-icing chemical solution from a previous application, then a lightweight salt treatment is enough.

The Application

Before any application of the de-icing agent, snow and ice should be thoroughly removed. Also, take note of area coverage and problem spots where water, moisture, and snow collect most. These need to be considered for safety.

There are two categories of snow and ice removal agents. Freeze point depressants and abrasives. These snow and ice removal agents can be found in a solid-state or liquid state. These agents range in cost and work at different temperatures. Depending on the area coverage or how quickly you need to protect and dissolve, the slippery conditions can help determine which to use.

De-Icing Agents 

Rock salt, aka Sodium Chloride or Halite, can be used for commercial parking lots and surrounding properties. Rock salt is the most common de-icing solution that is cost-effective and readily available. It can be useful from -10C to -20C

Calcium Chloride, appropriate for commercial properties. Calcium chloride can effectively melt snow and ice at the lowest of temperatures, very quickly too. It can be useful from -29C to-51C. It is a bit costly; however, it can produce efficient results when combined with other agents.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate, effective from -9C to -27C. Perfect for areas where ecosystems and wildlife are present. Calcium Magnesium Acetate is excellent for parking garages that are susceptible to harsh weather.

As a snow removal contractor or property owner, keeping within safety guidelines and implementing the best snow and ice removal methods should be planned before the cold weather falls upon us.