Which Salt is Best for Driveway?
It is winter season, and most of the driveways are filled with snow and ice. For ice and snow removal, ice is considered the best product, and you need to consider the impact the salt would have on plants, pets, pavements, or underground water. Other than salt, many other products can melt ice on driveways. If you are a homeowner looking to remove ice or snow to make your drive comfortable, read this article to know which salt is best for driveway snow removal.
How Does Salt Work?
When salt is added to ice, the chemistry of water is changed. Water forms into ice at 32°F, and when you spread salt over the ice, the freezing temperature of the water gets even lower, which means after adding salt, the water takes more time to freeze. As there is a lot of time for water to freeze, it becomes easier to remove ice from the surface. The salt added to ice also makes it a point to break the bondage between ice and the surface by forming a brine solution, which is formed by dissolving salt in water.
Which Type of Salt to use?
As you know, salt helps remove ice from driveways, so it is time to select the best salt among the number of salts available. Different salts lower the freezing point of water to different temperatures, so you could consider the conditions of your area before choosing the right salt. It is also noted that some salts are harmful to pets or vegetation and can also damage the concrete on driveways.
Different Types of Salt Best for a Driveway
As said above, a wide range of salts are available to remove ice or snow from driveways, and you need to choose the best among them. Here is the list of the best salt for your driveway
1. Rock Salt
Sodium Chloride or Rock salt is the most common and cheap salt available for snow and ice removal from driveways. The rock salt applied can cause the water in the concrete to freeze, making the concrete break. Rock salt lowers the freezing temperature of water to 20°F, preventing ice accumulation. It is also to be noted that rock salt can be dangerous to pets and plants.
2. Calcium Chloride
Calcium chloride produces heat when it comes in contact with water, melting ice and snow. Calcium Chloride is another common salt used to melt ice on driveways and works effectively even at the temperature of -50°F. Calcium chloride is safe to be used for pets and plants but can cause damage to concrete surfaces when used in large concentrations. While applying this salt, it is necessary to wear gloves as it might lead to skin irritations.
3. Potassium Chloride
Potassium chloride is one of the best salts for the driveway, as it is safe for plants and pets. While potassium chloride is mainly used as fertilizer and is limited to a temperature of 15°F, it does not irritate your skin and is safe for your yard.
4. Magnesium Chloride
Magnesium Chloride is the new product in the market that most governments use to remove ice and snow from pathways and driveways. This product is more effective on ice than any other deicer. This product can work at a temperature of -13°F and is safe for concretes, pets, and plants.
Alternatives for Salt
Apart from the above products, other alternatives can be used in ice and snow removal. Here are some of the alternatives.
Rubbing Alcohol: ¼ cup of Alcohol mixed with ½ gallon of water and 6 drops of dish soap can be used for melting ice on surfaces.
Epsom Salt: Epsom salt is not harmful to plants or pets and can be used deicer.
Garden Fertilizer: Fertilizers can also be used as an alternative to salts
Calcium Magnesium Acetate: Salt-free ice-melting product made from limestone and acetic acid. This product is biodegradable and does not harm vegetation.
Salt with Hot Water: To lessen the harm of rock salt, it is recommended to use it with hot water. Using hot water is less harmful and also more effective.
Conclusion
In this winter season, it is necessary to keep an eye on the ice or snow that accumulates on the driveways, pathways, or parking lots. The ice can cause serious damage to the concrete present on the driveways and make it difficult to travel. For ice and snow removal, the usage of salt is crucial, and there are different salts available that can be used as deicers. As a homeowner, you might need clarification about which salt is the best for the driveway or pathways for removing ice, so you need to contact an expert salt provider. Canada Salt Group Ltd is the most reliable and trusted supplier of rock salt all over North America. Contact us for more details.
