Living in a cold climate like we have in Maryland and Washington DC means that we regularly require the use of rock salt for snow and ice removal. Rock salt is usually considered the cheapest and toughest ice melt on the market, so it’s popular and prone to shortages – or high pricing at peak times. Here are some tips for how to avoid a rock salt shortage or high demand pricing this winter.
Order Rock Salt Early
Snow removal service providers must estimate how much rock salt they will use in a given season and place their orders when the price is favorable – which means when demand is low. The key is to make sure you have enough salt on hand before the demand (and price) becomes high during a particularly rough season or once forecasts start predicting an intense winter.
[bctt tweet=”Order ice melt off-season when demand is low for the best prices and availability.”]Store Rock Salt Carefully
Once a supply of rock salt has been obtained, it must be properly stored and protected from moisture in order to be usable. If water or too much moisture hits your supply, it will dissolve. And it’s also best to store it in temperatures above 32 degrees to prevent freezing and clumping. If possible, it’s best to keep your rock salt sealed or in a fully enclosed and heated storage unit for protection.
Be Careful With How Much Rock Salt You Use
Rock salt should be used conservatively when applying. Not only will it help keep the budget under control and conserve the supply on hand, it will prevent runoff containing rock salt from entering waterways where it will increase the sodium and chloride content of the water which can have detrimental effects.
Rock Salt Shortage? Or Just High Demand?
There is not a shortage of salt, but rather a high demand when the weather turns bad depleting local supplies. Prices increase and transporting the salt supplies to the areas that most need it sometimes can wreak havoc on your budget and your salt supply. Salt production went up nearly 6% in 2015 according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
Be sure to obtain enough rock salt in the off-season to carry you through the winter. A little extra would be a great idea in case this winter is worse than most. If you have questions, or if you would like to get a quote on rock salt delivered to your business, please contact us.