| 30 December 2011
A stroll through the aisles at The Home Depot or a local hardware store often yields more confusion than clarity regarding the ice melting agents commonly called salt. There is salt in bags, buckets, and jugs all advertising fancy names and fancy claims. Despite the widespread use of salt as a de-icer, the proper selection and application of salt is, well, confusing. However, de-icing doesn't have to be a mystery. There are a few things you need to know about the various salts available and how to best use them before and after a snow event.
The Basics: There are three major types of salts used as ice melting agents. The first is sodium chloride, which is the same as table salt, although the table salt you use at dinner is processed to be food grade salt. The next is magnesium chloride, which is naturally found in a liquid state, but is often desiccated into flakes or granules. The last is calcium chloride. Similar to magnesium chloride, calcium chloride can be purchased in a liquid or solid state and is one of the more expensive ice melters available. There are also other ice melters like calcium magnesium acetate, potassium acetate, urea, potassium chloride, as well as other organic products that melt snow and ice, but for the sake of simplicity let's focus on the big three.
- Sodium Chloride (rock salt)
- Pro: Inexpensive
- Pro: Abundant
- Pro/Con: Effective at temperatures down to 5°F
- Con: Hard on vegetation (Think burned grass)
- Con: Very corrosive
- Con: Leaves white residue when dry
- Magnesium Chloride (MAG)
- Pro: Exothermic (gives off heat when in contact with snow/ice)
- Pro: Works on contact/attracts moisture
- Pro: Effective at temperatures down to -15°F
- Pro: Much safer for vegetation than rock salt
- Pro: Low application rates per square yard
- Con: Attracts moisture (will turn to mush if not stored in dry place)
- Con: Expensive relative to rock salt
- Calcium Chloride
- Pro: Effective at temperatures down to -25°F
- Pro: Exothermic (gives off heat when in contact with snow/ice)
- Pro: Works on contact/attracts moisture
- Pro: Safer for vegetation than rock salt
- Pro: Very low application rates per square yard
- Con: Price is very high relative to rock salt
A Note on Purchasing Salt: You do not have to buy all three salts to match to different outdoor temperature variances. The rule of thumb is if you buy a salt that is effective at very cold temperatures, you simply apply less as the temperature approaches 32°F.
How to Use Salt Properly: There are two ways to use salt: before a storm as an anti-icer, or after a storm as a de-icer. However, the best way to use a salt is as an anti-icer. This will prevent the snow from adhering to the driveway surface. Think about tire tracks and how hard they are to scrape off the driveway. Applying salt prior to the storm aids in preventing snow from turning to white super glue, allowing for easy removal of snow from the treated surface. Because even though you have applied salt in a preventative measure, you will still have to remove the snow either by shovel, snow blower, or plow service. While salt does melt snow and ice, it will not melt several inches unless applied in excessive quantities. After removing the snow, if you notice some problem spots, apply salt as a de-icer. When the snow/ice is loosened from the surface, shovel it off or it will refreeze. Granted, it is possible to melt an inch or two of snow with salt, but it will take a lot of salt, which means a lot of money.
How to Apply Salt: The best way to apply salt is in a way that is going to evenly distribute the granules or flakes across the surface to be treated. Using a cup for distribution is a simple way to do this, but can be time consuming. An easy way to get the job done fast and to achieve an even distribution of salt is to purchase a hand held broadcast spreader from your local landscape supply or hardware store. Earthway or Scotts brand hand spreaders are very capable tools that can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Another benefit to using a hand spreader is you can consistently apply the proper quantity (lbs per square yard) of salt to your driveway surface. If you choose to use a spreader, always buy salt that is manufactured to be dustless, as inhaling salt dust is quite unpleasant.
So, to make this winter safe and enjoyable, always anti-ice before the storm, remove snow from the driveway surface, and treat problem areas after the storm. Snow and ice can create dangerous conditions, but with the proper application of salt before and after a snow event, slippery hazards can be mitigated, if not eliminated altogether.
About Gabriel Asebedo
Gabriel Asebedo is the owner of Snow Clearing Service, LLC, a snow and ice management company that focuses on residential, townhome, and small commercial property snow removal. Gabriel, a Certified Financial Planner™ Practitioner, was formerly employed at BGM Wealth as a financial planner. Since his departure Gabriel has founded two other successful companies and often credits BGM Wealth for playing a key role in fostering his desire to be an entrepreneur.
If you have questions about snow and ice management you can contact Gabriel at 952-457-7353.
