Best Bulk Road Salt for Snow Removal Contractors

Snow and ice may look beautiful, but they also pose dangers when walking and driving on them. It is when snow removal contractors step in and provide services, making parking lots, sidewalks, and roads clear and safe to pass on, even in harsh winters. At this juncture, snow removal contractors use bulk road salt for snow removal. But, not all the salts are the same and effective. So, contractors should choose the best road salt to improve its effectiveness and reduce costs and environmental concerns. This article will highlight everything you need to know to select the best bulk salt for the snow removal business. Let’s get started!

What Is Road Salt?

Road salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a common deicer. It lowers the water’s freezing point and prevents ice formation on the surface. When spread on roads or sidewalks, it breaks the bond between the surface and ice, making it easier to shovel or plow the ice.

Types of Road Salt Used in Snow Removal

Rock Salt (Halite)

Rock salt is the most commonly preferred kind of deicing salt, which is obtained from underground salt deposits. It is coarse, easily avaliable and affordable, making it a preferred choice for most homeowners or snow removal contractors. Rock salt is effective in mild winters for snow removal till 15°F, and beyond that, it slowly stops working. You can use rock salt and other materials to make it more effective.

Treated Salt

Rock salt combined with calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or beet juice is treated salt. These additives reduce the use of salt in larger quantities and improve its effectiveness. Treated salt easily sticks to the surface, reducing spillage and waste during application.

Brine Solutions

A liquid salt solution is called brine. It is applied as a pretreatment before heavy snowfall or snowstorms. When it is sprinkled on the road’s surface, it prevents snow formation, making it easier to plow. There will be no need to use any salt on the snow later. Brine is generally made by mixing rock salt and water, and it may include magnesium or calcium chloride.

Key Factors Snow Removal Contractors Should Consider

Purity and Effectiveness

The effectiveness of road salt directly implies chemical purity. The purer the salt is, the more effective and less waste it is in the snow removal process. Impurities like sand and clay can improve road traction but reduce efficiency and damage the spreaders.

Melting Performance at Low Temperatures

Each salt is different in its effectiveness in cold temperatures. Standard rock salt, a common deicer, is effective only if the temperature is below 15°F. If it is combined with other materials like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, it can improve the salt’s performance. These additives can work even if the temperatures fall below 0°F, ensuring the roads stay clear.

Cost and Availability

Most people choose to use the cheaper option. However, smart contractors calculate the cost and its effectiveness. If the salt is expensive and effective simultaneously, it may reduce the amount of salt required and labour hours. Also, availability is a major concern you have to check for. So, order it before to prevent costly shortages.

Environmental Impact

Using less salt smartly helps reduce the environmental impact. Salt runoff can damage plants and other vegetation and contaminate nearby water supplies. So, many cities monitor how much salt is used and suggest using low-impact or treated types of salt to conserve the environment.

Ease of Application

Choose fine and even salt to improve the spread and ensure the material correctly lands on the targeted area. Lower-quality salt can lead to clogs in the salt spreaders and not stick to the surface, resulting in inefficiencies.

Handling and Storage Requirements

Proper storage for bulk salt is required to avoid clumping and maintain the same effectiveness it is known for. Special storage facilities like covered salt sheds help prevent moisture and contamination. Some salts are manufactured in such a way as to resist clumping better and have a longer shelf life.

Cost-Saving Tips When Buying Bulk Road Salt

• Prebook the Salt Before the Season: Salt prices can spike during the winter months due to increased demand. So, try to prebook salt before winter arrives to get it at an affordable price.
• Establish Long-Term Supplier Contracts: Make seasonal or annual contracts with suppliers to protect your business from price volatility and ensure consistent supply.
• Purchase by the Truckload: Purchase salt in truckloads only to improve your business margins. The per-ton cost and transportation fees will be less than buying smaller quantities.
• Share Bulk Orders with Nearby Contractors: You can find small snow removal contractors nearby. Collaborate with them and give them the salt they require to take advantage of the bulk pricing without overpaying.

Storage and Maintenance Best Practices

• Covered Salt Sheds: A roof over your salt protects it from rain and snow, which can render the product unusable. Structures like hoop barns or concrete sheds are ideal.
• Choose a roof over salt to protect it from external elements like rain and snow, which can make the product unusable. Ensure the salt storage area has hoop barns and concrete sheds.
• Moisture Prevention: Pallets, tarps, and a proper drainage system can prevent water from entering the salt pile. Wet salt can clump and become difficult to spread.
• Environmental Safeguards: Proper storage keeps salt from leaking into nearby soil and water. To help with this, use waterproof liners and systems that collect runoff.
• Inventory Management: Track your salt usage based on the storm or client. This ensures accurate ordering and cost control and avoids shortages.

Buy Bulk Road Salt from Canada Salt Group Ltd

Choosing the right bulk road salt isn’t just about buying what’s cheapest—it’s about finding the perfect balance of performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Snow removal contractors can stay ahead of the storm by understanding the different types of salt, evaluating your specific operational needs, and choosing the right suppliers and storage methods. At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we deal with high-quality bulk road salt, catering to various businesses and individuals. So, if you are looking for safe and reliable salt solutions, contact us today and get a free quote.