How Much Salt to Spread on a Parking Lot?

In Canada, winters can be harsh, and the most common challenge faced by every property owner and manager is maintaining their parking lots safely. Snow and ice not only create risks but also increase the risk of liability. If you are following the right strategy, you can prevent accidents, protect your property and save money. In this article, we will explore the topic of how much salt to spread on a parking lot to ensure efficient work.

Factors That Affect Salt Usage in Parking Lots

Several factors should be considered when determining the optimal amount of salt for your parking lot.

• Temperature of the Pavement: Observing pavement temperature is more important than air temperature because a colder pavement requires more salt to work effectively.
• Precipitation: If there is a light frost, you don’t need as much salt as you would for freezing rain or heavy snow.
• Timing: Timing is crucial in ice management. Pre-treating your parking lot before a snowstorm is better than salting it later, as it prevents the ice from adhering to the ground.
• The Type of Salt: It may be rock salt, magnesium chloride or calcium chloride. The amount of salt you use will be different depending on the type.

How Much Salt Do You Need?

Generally, we use about 2.3 pounds of salt per 1,000 square feet of surface for normal and light ice conditions. However, if the temperatures increase, you may need to double or triple the amount depending on the severity of the condition.

In other words, for icy conditions, you can use about 10 – 15 grams of salt per square foot. However, when the snow is falling, you need to use about 20-30 grams per square meter for effective melting. So, if your parking lot measures 1000 square feet, you need only 10-15 kilograms of rock salt in light icy conditions and 20-30 kilograms of salt during heavier snow. Places like shaded zones, entrances, and slopes often require more salt, as there is a higher possibility of ice sticking for longer in such areas.

Best Practices for Efficient Salting

At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we recommend combining mechanical snow removal with chemical treatment, as this reduces the use of salt, making the process more environmentally friendly. Use shovels or plows to clear as much snow as you can. You can also use brine to save time and make the material easier to remove.

Distribute the salt evenly for effective working. If you are unaware of the spreading techniques, it is better to use a spreader to cover the surface evenly. It can help prevent waste and reduce slick spots. Implementing spot treatment in busy areas can also reduce overuse.

Mistakes to Avoid

Oversalting is the most common mistake we often notice. We assume that using more salt melts ice faster, which isn’t true. Once the necessary amount is spread on the surface, any excess is wasted. Overusing salt not only increases costs but also damages infrastructure, vehicles, and nearby vegetation.

Another mistake is using salt on a bare pavement which doesn’t even have snow. Spreading salt on a bare pavement can run off and cause pollution. Most people use rock salt to manage extreme colds, and when it loses its effectiveness, they choose alternatives like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride.

Choosing the Right Salt Product

Due to the affordability and availability of the rock salt, it is a go-to option to use on a parking lot. When the temperature drops below –9°C, alternatives such as magnesium chloride and calcium chloride become more effective. You can also opt for salt brines, which provide you with an even covering and simultaneously reduce the amount of salt required.

At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we help you choose the right type of salt based on your climate, budget, and property size.

Environmental and Safety Considerations

Salt is a necessary commodity during the wintertime, so it should be used carefully. Excessive use can damage plants, water, and corrode roads and sidewalks. The goal is to maintain safety and protect the environment.

Key Takeaways

• Use about 2.3 pounds of rock salt per 1,000 square feet of surface in less icy conditions.
• Adjust the amount of salt to be used according to the weather conditions.
• It’s better to plow or apply brine as pretreatment whenever possible.
• Do not overuse. Using too much salt doesn’t melt ice faster.
• Use the right type of salt according to the severity of the temperature.

Final Thoughts from Canada Salt Group Ltd

In Canada, maintaining parking lots ice-free is a must during winter. It doesn’t mean that you must overspend or overapply it. Implementing the relevant salting strategies is important to keep your property safe and control costs.

At Canada Salt Group Ltd, we not only supply you with the bulk salt but also suggest the best practices on how to use it. Whether you manage a small or large parking lot, we help you select the right products and the optimal quantity to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to book your bulk road salt supply.