Snow Salting and Sanding: Essential Techniques for Safe Winter Surfaces

Winter weather often brings icy conditions that can make walkways, driveways, and roads hazardous. Snow salting and sanding are crucial methods for improving traction and ensuring safety during the winter months. Whether you’re managing a commercial property, a residential area, or a public space, understanding the proper techniques for salting and sanding can help prevent accidents and keep surfaces safe. Here’s a comprehensive guide to snow salting and sanding.

Understanding Snow Salting and Sanding

Snow salting: This involves spreading salt or other de-icing agents on surfaces to lower the freezing point of water, which helps melt ice and prevent new ice from forming.

Sanding: Sand is applied to provide traction on icy surfaces, making it easier to walk or drive without slipping.

Choosing the Right Salt

Rock salt: This is the most common and cost-effective de-icing agent. It works well in moderate cold conditions and is suitable for most surfaces.

Calcium chloride: Effective at lower temperatures than rock salt, calcium chloride is ideal for extremely cold conditions. It also works faster but is more expensive.

Magnesium chloride: This is another alternative that works well in cold temperatures and is less corrosive to surfaces and vehicles.

Applying Salt Effectively

Pre-treatment: Apply salt before a storm to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the surface.

This is especially useful for anticipating snowfall and reducing ice buildup.

Post-treatment: After snow removal, apply salt to remaining patches of ice and areas where snow might refreeze. This helps in maintaining clear and safe surfaces.

Application rate: Use approximately 1 pound of salt per 100 square feet for effective melting.

Avoid over-salting, as excessive use can damage surfaces and harm the environment.
Sanding for Traction

When to sand: Apply sand after salting or when ice is too thick for salt alone to be effective. Sand provides immediate traction and reduces slipperiness.

Application method: Spread sand evenly over icy surfaces. Use a sand spreader for large areas or scatter it manually for smaller spaces. Ensure the sand is clean and free from debris.

Safety Considerations

Avoid overuse: Excessive salt and sand can damage pavement, vegetation, and local waterways.

Use these materials judiciously to minimize environmental impact.
Protective gear: When applying salt or sand, wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing to avoid skin irritation and to stay warm.

Environmental Impact and Alternatives

Eco-friendly options: Consider using eco-friendly deicers and sand alternatives. Products like beet juice, cheese brine, or sand with additives can be less harmful to the environment.

Proper disposal: Dispose of leftover salt and sand properly. Avoid dumping it in areas where it can wash into storm drains or waterways.

Post-Winter Maintenance

Clean-up: After the winter season, clean up any residual salt and sand. This helps prevent long- term damage to surfaces and minimizes environmental impact.

Evaluate and plan: Assess how well you’re salting and sanding strategies worked throughout the season. Make adjustments to improve effectiveness for future winters.
Effective snow salting and sanding are key to maintaining safe and accessible surfaces during winter. By choosing the right materials, applying them correctly, and considering environmental impacts, you can manage winter hazards and keep your property safe throughout the season.