Sand? Stone dust? Sand/Salt? Salt? Treated Salt? Magnesium Chloride? Calcium Chloride? Potassium Chloride? Urea? Blends? Liquids? How do I choose? Why should I use treated salt? - it sounds expensive.
Traditionally, snow and ice management contractors will use one or a combination of the the materials listed above to treat asphalt before or after plowing. Other than sand or stone dust which are applied to add grit for traction, each chemical has different melting points. However, treated salt may be the most economical and environmentally friendly option.
Sodium Chloride (salt) on its own, loses effectiveness around 20 degrees Fahrenheit as the moisture in the air is greatly reduced, starving the sodium crystals of the water neccesary to activate the brining process. The presence of another chemical, such as magnesium chloride or calcium chloride which melt by generating heat and working at much colder temperatures, provide the moisture necessary for the salt to activate. As a result, contractors may use less salt.
At our company, we have been using treated salt for several years and have found that, although the product costs more money per ton than straight salt, it is a better value. Less material is used since fewer applications are necessary. Fewer applications also result in less labor and wear and tear on vehicles. Fewer applications also mean less chlorides into our groundwater and soil.
Operators at Knott's attend Salt Reduction classes offered by our state. This is part of their training and intent on our part to increase their awareness of sodium usage.
There are several products on the market that are sold as a liquid which are sprayed onto the salt crystals; Ice Ban, Magic-0, Geo-Melt to name a few (without endorsing any) are some of the products used by professional snow and ice contractors today.
To review:
Treated salt usage will reduce salt usage which will reduce operating costs
Treated salt usage will increase the speed that your sites get to bare pavement resulting in a happier customer.
Treated salt usage appears safer for the environment because less salt is required.
How May I Serve? This is the question that goes to the core of the philosophy of Knott's Land Care, LLC. It defines our relationships with our clients, staff and vendors. We hope the information and dialogue you find here is of service.
