Leading up to winter, the weather is always a big topic of conversation. Bad weather conditions such as frost, snow and ice have to be taken into consideration as a precaution. This means keeping pavements, roads and driveways clear from ice, as it causes road accidents and slipping injuries.

The best way to prevent icy walkways, roads and driveways is by spreading rock salt. A little really does go a long way, which not only means you can save some for next year, but it also saves a lot of money. Although to do this, you need to know how to use it. Here are some guidelines and tips to get the most out of rock salt.

How do you spread rock salt?

To get the best results of rock salt, you should apply it to your driveway before the snow begins, or the evening before bad weather is predicted.

It is very important to shovel the snow before applying the rock salt. This helps reduce the amount of rock salt you use, which is important because it can have long-term effects on concrete. Doing this could prevent you from having to repair your driveway, which definitely isn't something you want to do, especially during the Christmas period!

Once the shovelling part is done, you can apply the rock salt, making sure you cover all hazardous areas. After this, you will see the ice starting to melt. If you have any areas of thick or hardened ice, these areas may need more time and maintenance, but do note that adding more salt doesn't necessarily mean it'll melt more or quicker.

When you have applied the rock salt, you must let it work on its own for a while. Give it time to melt and do what it needs to do. Once the ice has melted, you can remove the excess with a shovel. However, if you find some hazardous areas that may still be slippy, start the process again; keep doing so until it's no longer dangerous.

Important tips for grit salt spreading

The most important tip of them all is to make sure you stock up on rock salt before the winter months start, as it goes very quickly and becomes in high demand. Therefore, it's useful to buy in bulk anytime between the end of winter and the start of autumn. Even if you don't need it for that winter, it's always there just in case.

Rock salt can have a long term effect on plant growth, grass, and concrete, so make sure you keep that in mind when spreading it. It can also corrode metals, so keep it away from anything containing metallic materials.

Using brown rock salt helps with seeing where you have or haven't spread the rock salt. This is because brown rock salt leaves a dirty looking residue, that may not look attractive, but at least it will be safer.

The best time to spread rock salt is before the bad weather conditions have started, as the freezing point of rock salt is lower than the freezing point of water, so a slippery moisture can't be formed. Doing this will prevent the ice forming and snow sticking before it even starts. So, make sure you keep up to date with the weather forecast.

When the snow starts to fall, try and keep on top of it as best you can; otherwise, ice will develop. The more you keep on top of it, the less rock salt you'll have to use.

Warnings and hazards

When spreading rock salt, you must wear gloves as it could have serious effects on your skin. You also need to make sure you have a form of grip when spreading the rock salt on icy areas to reduce the risk of slipping. Make sure you keep on top of the de-icing process, as the ice may refreeze itself.

When the bad winter weather conditions have finished, it doesn't necessarily mean the rock salt has. Rock salt can cause damage to the environment, so make sure you sweep up as much salt as you can.

If you require girt salt for winter road and path gritting get in touch today. We offer rock salt supply for customers throughout north Scotland.