Bagged Salt Isn’t Always the Best Choice For De-Icing

As winter approaches, we all anticipate the beautiful, white snowscape that transforms our surroundings into a magical wonderland. However, along with its beauty, snowfall brings some treacherous conditions, particularly for drivers and pedestrians. While big bag salt offers convenience and is widely used for de-icing large areas, it’s important to consider its environmental impact and explore more targeted application methods or alternative products that may provide effective ice control with less potential for harm to vegetation and infrastructure. Many turn to rock salt salt as the go-to de-icing solution, but is it really the best choice? Let’s discuss.

The Common Practice: Salt for De-Icing

Rock salt is a widespread solution for combating slippery, icy surfaces during the winter months. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, essentially melting the ice or preventing it from forming. For many, this is an easy and convenient way to ensure safety in snowy conditions.

However, despite its popularity rock salt is not without its drawbacks.

Downsides of Using Salt

Firstly, the environmental impact of rock salt is considerable. Salts can leach into the ground, disrupting vegetation and contaminating groundwater. This can harm local wildlife and, eventually, find its way into our water systems.

Secondly, salt is corrosive. This can lead to premature degradation of our pathways, driveways, and even the undercarriages of our vehicles. The costs of these repairs can soon add up and become a significant financial burden.

Lastly, salt only works effectively at certain temperatures, above 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this, the de-icing capabilities of rock salt become significantly less effective.

Alternatives To Salt For De-Icing

Recognizing these drawbacks, many are exploring alternatives to bagged salt for de-icing. These could be more environmentally friendly and effective in both low and high temperatures.

• Calcium Chloride: A potent alternative to rock salt salt, calcium chloride absorbs moisture from the environment and heats up, effectively melting the ice. Its ability to work at much lower temperatures than rock salt, and in lesser quantities, makes it a favorite for many. However, like rock salt, calcium chloride is potentially harmful to the environment and can cause corrosive damage.

• Magnesium Chloride: This offers similar benefits as calcium chloride but poses fewer risks to the environment and is less corrosive.

• Beet Juice: An innovative solution that’s gaining popularity is the use of beet juice, often mixed with small quantities of traditional de-icing salts. This substance lowers the freezing point of water and, thanks to its sticky nature, stays on roads for a longer time. Moreover, it is entirely biodegradable and non-corrosive.

• Sand and Coffee Grounds: A green and economical alternative is to use sand or coffee grounds. While they will not melt the ice, they can provide much-needed traction on slippery surfaces.

Conclusion

While rock salt salt may be the conventional choice for de-icing during the winter months, it’s worth considering some of the more eco-friendly and potentially effective alternatives available. Not only can these help reduce environmental damage and slow down the degradation of our infrastructure, but they may also work more effectively at varying temperatures.