BLOG NUMBER 19.77
Keeping walkways and other common areas ice-free and easy to traverse is often far more difficult than property owners expect. Many of the same applications that are used for expediting the melting of ice, sleet, and snow are incredibly corrosive. In addition to raising the melting point of frozen substances, rock salt gradually breaks down block paving, concrete pavers, and other stone and aggregate surfaces. Rock salt addresses short-term de-icing needs effectively, but it likely undermines the safety and stability of the surfaces it protects. Worse still, property owners or their snow removal companies can further compound the detrimental effects of rock salt by routinely using metal shovels, picks, or other metal scraping and digging tools during their clearing efforts. So why do so many people continue to use rock salt for de-icing applications? The answer is quite simple.
Proper use and application of rock salt goes a long way towards maximizing its efficacy and minimizing the amount of damage that it causes. Rock salt is actually most effective when used as a preventative measure against icing, rather than a reactive one. Contrary to popular belief, rock salt doesn’t actually melt ice or snow accumulations. Instead, it mixes with various forms of precipitation to create a solution that has a significantly higher freezing point. When additional hail, snow, or sleet hits treated surfaces, it is far less likely to accumulate or freeze. Pre-treating walkways, pathways, and other surfaces with rock salt reduces the amount needed during subsequent applications. Not only does this reduce exposure to corrosive materials, but it’s also proves better for local foliage, soils, and waterways. When new accumulations do occur, cleaning them off before applying new rock salt is important. You should only do this with durable plastic shovels, snow blowers with raised blades, or snow plows with plastic blades. The right snow removal tools prevent structural damage to surfaces treated with salt for multiple seasons.
The Dangers of Improperly Applying Rock Salt
Improperly applying rock salt means that you must use more salt to achieve the desired effects. Reactively applying rock salt to existing ice and snow build-ups can make surfaces more slippery than if left untreated. Even gentle scraping leaves a slick ice coating that may not respond well to rock salt.
Absent of any application of de-icing agents, concrete pavers and block paving have impressive freeze and thaw resistance. They can also be shoveled and plowed without substantial risk of structural damage. Moreover, some block paver styles feature chamfered or right-angle joints and edges that naturally promote snow and ice melt. Applying calcium chloride or rock salt traps high-concentration saltwater in cracks and gaps within block paving designs. When unsealed, block paving is also porous enough to absorb saltwater during various stages of freezing and thawing cycles. When pocks, gaps, and cracks undermine the integrity of these surfaces, they create major trip and fall hazards, even after property owners or maintenance teams properly address slip and fall risks.
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There are several ways to keep block pavers protected while still maintaining a solid and effective de-icing program. In addition to pre-treating these surfaces rather than taking a reactive approach to snow and ice removal, property owners can alternatively use de-icing agents that have calcium magnesium acetate as their active ingredient rather than sodium. When block paving is initially installed, this alternative de-icing agent is often recommended by installers. In areas where feasible and deemed cost-effective, electric, under-paver snow-melting systems can both prevent paver damage and eliminate the risk of wintertime slip and fall injuries. To learn more about the safest and most effective strategies for keeping common areas on your property hazard-free during the winter months, or to consult with a seasoned snow removal expert witness, call us today at (816) 564-9131.
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