As the winter season approaches, snow contractors are starting to think about the best ways to keep roads and sidewalks clear of ice and snow. One of the most commonly used methods is the application of rock salt. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using rock salt for icy roads and where this material comes from.
Rock salt, also known as halite, is a mineral that is found underground in deposits all over the world. It is nearly 100% sodium chloride, making it a low-cost and effective de-icing agent. When applied to roads and sidewalks, it works by lowering the freezing point of water, which causes the ice and snow to melt. This allows for safer travel and prevents slips and falls.
Advantages of Rock Salt
One of the main advantages of using rock salt is its availability and affordability. Because it is a naturally occurring mineral, it can be mined and processed at a relatively low cost. This makes it an attractive option for snow contractors who need to cover large areas of the roadway. According to the Salt Institute, rock salt costs about $60-$70 per ton, while calcium chloride costs around $500-$600 per ton.
Another benefit of using rock salt is its effectiveness at melting snow and ice. When applied correctly, it can quickly and effectively clear roads and sidewalks. However, it’s important to note that rock salt is less effective at extremely low temperatures, so other de-icing agents may need to be used in conjunction with it in colder climates.
When shopping for rock salt, snow contractors should look for a product with a high purity level. This ensures that the salt will be effective and not contaminated with other minerals or impurities. The size of the salt crystals is also important, as smaller crystals will dissolve more quickly and provide more coverage.
Disadvantages of Rock Salt
It’s important to note that rock salt is effective at melting ice and snow, but only up to a certain temperature. Rock salt can work well in temperatures down to around 20°F (-6°C), but as temperatures drop further, its effectiveness decreases. At extremely low temperatures, rock salt may not work at all and alternative de-icing methods may need to be used.
In areas where temperatures regularly dip below 20°F, snow contractors may want to consider using a different de-icing solution, such as calcium chloride, which can work in temperatures as low as -25°F (-32°C). It’s important for snow contractors to consider the typical weather patterns in their area and choose the most effective de-icing solution for their needs.
Even though rock salt is less expensive upfront, calcium chloride is more effective which can lead to using less of it to achieve the same results as rock salt. This can result in a cost savings in the long run for using calcium chloride instead of rock salt.
While rock salt is effective at melting massive amounts of snow and ice in mild temperatures, like many ice-melting agents it can have negative environmental effects if not used properly. Overuse can lead to runoff that can contaminate nearby water sources, harm vegetation, and damage infrastructure. Snow contractors should use rock salt in moderation and follow best practices for its application and clean-up.
Rock Salt Application & Clean-Up Best Practices
While rock salt can be an effective solution for melting ice on roads, it’s important to apply it correctly and clean it up properly to ensure the safety of drivers and the environment.
When applying rock salt, make sure to spread it evenly and not in clumps. This will allow it to melt the ice and snow more effectively. It’s also important to avoid over-applying the salt, as this can lead to environmental damage and corrosion of vehicles and infrastructure.
To minimize the amount of salt needed and prevent over-application, it’s a good idea to pretreat roads before a snowstorm. Applying a brine solution or other liquid de-icer before a storm can help prevent snow and ice from sticking to the road, making it easier to clear and requiring less salt for de-icing.
After the storm has passed and the ice has melted, it’s important to clean up any excess salt on the road. Leaving salt on the road can lead to environmental damage, including contamination of nearby water sources and damage to vegetation. Additionally, salt can corrode vehicles and infrastructure over time.
To clean up excess salt, use a mechanical sweeper or plow to remove the salt from the road surface. It’s important to sweep or plow the salt away from the edge of the road to prevent it from being pushed into ditches or nearby water sources.
In addition to these best practices, it’s important to follow any local or state regulations regarding the application and cleanup of rock salt on roads. By following these guidelines and using rock salt responsibly, snow contractors can ensure safe and effective de-icing while minimizing the environmental impact.
Rock Salt Shortages
In recent years, there have been concerns about rock salt shortages, both in the past and potentially in the future. Rock salt is a finite resource, and the demand for it has been increasing as extreme weather events become more common. This has led to shortages in some areas, which can create difficulties for snow contractors and local governments responsible for keeping roads and sidewalks clear and safe.
One notable example of a rock salt shortage occurred during the winter of 2013-2014, when a series of snowstorms caused a surge in demand for rock salt. Many municipalities and snow contractors struggled to obtain enough rock salt to keep up with the demand, leading to higher prices and in some cases, rationing. Some communities even resorted to using sand or other abrasives to provide traction on snowy and icy roads.
The potential for future rock salt shortages is a concern for many snow contractors and local governments. As extreme weather events become more common due to climate change, the demand for rock salt is likely to continue to increase. Additionally, there are only a limited number of mines that produce rock salt, and they are located in specific regions of the world. If one or more of these mines were to experience production issues or shut down altogether, it could lead to a shortage of rock salt in certain areas.
To address these concerns, some snow contractors and municipalities are exploring alternative deicing methods that could be used in combination with or as a replacement for rock salt. These alternatives include liquid deicers like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, as well as organic compounds like beet juice and molasses. While these alternatives can be more expensive than rock salt, they may be more effective in certain conditions and can help reduce the overall demand for rock salt.
Ordering Bulk Rock Salt
To avoid being hurt by rock salt shortages, snow contractors and local governments should consider ordering their rock salt in bulk WELL in advance of the winter season and also explore alternative deicing methods and develop contingency plans. By doing so, they can help ensure that roads and sidewalks remain safe and passable during the winter months.
When it comes to ordering rock salt for icy roads, timing is crucial. The last thing you want is to run out of rock salt in the middle of a winter storm. Therefore, it’s important to order rock salt in bulk well before the winter season starts.
Many snow contractors start ordering rock salt as early as August or September to ensure they have enough for the upcoming winter season. Ordering early can also help you save money, as prices for rock salt tend to rise as the winter season approaches and demand increases.
Another factor to consider when ordering rock salt is delivery time. Depending on your location and the size of your order, delivery can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. To avoid any delays or issues, it’s important to plan ahead and order well in advance.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your rock salt inventory throughout the winter season. Monitor your usage and reorder as needed to avoid running out during a storm. Remember that it’s better to have extra rock salt on hand than to run out when you need it most.
In addition to timing your bulk orders, it’s important to store your rock salt properly. Keep it in a dry, covered area to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause clumping and make it more difficult to spread. Also, make sure to follow all safety guidelines when handling and spreading rock salt to ensure the best results and minimize environmental impact.
In conclusion, rock salt is a low-cost and effective de-icing agent that can be used to melt large areas of snow and ice. When shopping for rock salt, snow contractors should look for a high-purity product with small crystal sizes for maximum coverage. However, it’s important to use rock salt in moderation and follow best practices for its application to prevent negative environmental effects.
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