The primary method used throughout the nation for treating endless miles of roadways during the winter months has traditionally been rock salt. But as rock salt supplies have grown more scarce over the years, snow contractors have been supplementing and replacing traditional rock salt with different chemicals. In addition, advancements have resulted in new blended products and the concept of pre-treating roads has become common as well. For pre-treatment, contractors purchase or make liquid deicer products or brine. In what ways does liquid deicer differ from conventional road salt? Keep reading to find out.
The main distinctions between salt and liquid deicer, as well as some advantages and disadvantages of each, are outlined here. If you are trying to pick the best option out of liquid deicing and salt or sand, you may continue to read this. We will be sharing the differences between these two options so that you can go for the right option.
What is liquid deicing?
Although it’s obvious that liquid deicer isn’t the only method for treating icy roads in the winter, its use is growing. Both surfaces that are not yet covered in snow and surfaces that have already been covered in snow may benefit from the use of a liquid deicer. Thus, it functions as both a deicing and an anti-icing substance.
What are the benefits of liquid deicing?
• Since liquid deicer adheres to roadways more effectively than salt does, it embeds in the icy surface as well as reduces bounce and dispersion. Additionally, it keeps working for a longer amount of time.
• Overall, fewer persons are needed to administer liquid deicer than salt. For those that are worried about labor expenses, this is a major advantage.
• The environment is better off with liquid deicer. Liquid deicer, which can be administered precisely, is less harmful to roads and vegetation than bulk salt. However, you need to be careful to work with the right service provider to get the liquid deicing solution. Then you will be able to minimize the negative effects created by it.
What are the drawbacks of using liquid deicing?
• Liquid deicer requires longer to start working than salt does to start melting ice. Because of this, it is often used as an anti-icing solution rather than a de-icing product, and it is ineffective when applied to thick ice and packed-down snow.
• Liquid deicer costs much more than salt.
• Utilizing liquid materials requires training and expertise. Applying salt could be simple for everybody, but liquid deicer is more difficult. The product won’t provide the desired outcomes if it is utilized improperly.
What is using salt and sand?
The most popular choice for treating icy roads is rock salt since it is a tried and reliable substance – as well as being cost-effective. When it comes to dissolving and melting heavy accumulations of ice and snow, salt is very powerful. Along with salt, you will also be using sand. It can enhance the effectiveness of salt when it comes to snow and ice removal.
What are the benefits of using salt/sand?
• Compared to liquid deicers, salt works more quickly. Because of its chemical makeup, salt melts snow and ice that has already formed on the ground considerably more quickly.
• Compared to liquid deicer, salt may be used more rapidly. Applying liquid deicer may need fewer workers, but spreading salt often takes much less time.
Salt can be handled and stored rather easily.
What are the drawbacks of using salt/sand?
• Traffic may easily cause salt to bounce or scatter, increasing the amount of waste that might occur. It cannot be put on roadways too early due to the risk of cars displacing it before the snow even begins.
• Its price fluctuates and is determined by supply and demand. Because there is a finite quantity of salt inside the planet, its cost might change according to how much snow falls throughout the winter.
• There isn’t a clear choice when it comes to deciding between salt and liquid deicer. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and both work well in certain circumstances.
How easy it is for you to clean?
When you are applying a snow and ice removal solution, you will also need to check and see how easy it is for you to get rid of the applied solution. When you are applying rock salt on sidewalks, you will often overapply it. It is done in order to melt snow and ice quickly. However, this can result in granular products as leftovers. The application rate of this snow and ice removal solution is less when compared to the others.
If you want to get a better application rate, you should think about going for the liquid deicing solution. When you use the right amount of chloride, you can get snow and ice to melt quickly. As a result, you can make sure that there is no need to keep the sidewalks covered with salt for many weeks. Rock salt can also create some significant damage to your property. You should also keep this in mind and proceed with using it. Then you will be able to minimize the extent of damage that you will have to deal with in the long run.
Will liquid deicing create a negative impact on the environment?
As you shift to liquid deicing, you should also check and see whether it is creating a negative impact on the environment or not. According to numerous studies done in the past, it has been identified that liquid deicing can create a lesser impact on the environment when compared to rock salt.
For example, a salt brine solution would use around 25% of salt when compared to the method of using rock salt. On the other hand, you will not be using granular rock salt, which can push off to the green spaces or drains. You will also be able to apply salt brine more accurately. Hence, you can ensure that surfaces that don’t need to be de-iced are kept safe.
Now you have a clear idea about the differences between using liquid deicing solutions such as salt brine and rock salt. It is up to you to keep these differences in mind and proceed with using the right solution to get rid of snow or salt. If you would like a quote for pick up at our Maryland location or with shipping nationwide, just contact us today!