It is no surprise to local Canadians that our winters bring on a variety of heavy weather conditions. Due to the harsh, cold elements, we rely on snow removal contractors and landscaping professionals to keep our roads, sidewalks, and commercial parking lots safe and clean. Snow removal contractors and landscaping professionals must have extensive knowledge and experience to know which de-icing solution is best for which surface, which includes considering the different weather conditions and application methods. Today’s article will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of de-icing salt vs. liquid de-icing agents.

De-icing salt

Bulk de-icing salt has been proven to improve road conditions significantly. A study conducted by Marquette University found that salt reduces road accidents by up to 88 percent, which is quite impressive! Bulk de-icing salt is a tried-and-true method when it comes to tackling thick ice and heavy snow. There are three main reasons why de-icing salt is the optimal solution for winter weather. Bulk de-icing salt is easy to transport, manage and store. Proper storage is essential for protecting your stockpile and preventing runoff due to environmental factors. Environmental elements such as wind and moisture from humidity, rain, or snow can blow away salt debris and cause clumping. De-icing salt can be kept in a proper confined container or area. De-icing salt is best kept dry, well covered, and on an impermeable surface like asphalt or concrete. Smaller batches should be kept in an air-tight container. When stored correctly, you can maintain bulk de-icing salt for future winters. Therefore, potentially saving you money when it comes to replenishing supplies. Bulk de-icing salt can be applied much more quickly and works immediately once applied. Therefore, ensuring a speedy solution that allows for a safe commute no matter the weather condition.

De-icing liquid

Now that we’ve highlighted the advantages of de-icing salt, it is time to bring your attention to the de-icing liquid. De-icing liquid has a few notable advantages. It adheres better to roadways, requires less staff, and, depending on weather conditions, the residue remains present for a decent amount of time. However, there are significant disadvantages that will impact contractors from a business standpoint. De-icing liquid costs quite a bit when obtaining the initial desired amount. It is also pricey to transport as opposed to de-icing salt. De-icing liquid also has a slower reaction time as opposed to de-icing salt. It takes much longer to work and is ineffective when treating packed snow and thick ice patches. Therefore, not ideal for regions with busy, heavy traffic. De-icing liquid also requires extensive experience, knowledge, and skill. If misused, the chemical will not perform and cost quite a bit to replenish. De-icing liquid is not a simple material to work with; it must be used with care according to its temperature window.

There are various de-icing solutions available, and they all have significant advantages and disadvantages. When in doubt, always ask a professional. At FSI Landscape Supply, we provide bulk de-icing salt, treated salt, and sand for busy snow removal contractors and landscaping professionals. Our staff has extensive experience and knowledge on which de-icing solution is best suited for your needs. Contact us today for more information.