Let’s talk about Rock Salt
Posted on January 13 2022
We all know what happens this time of year with our weather so it’s always best to be prepared especially for our own roads, driveways and paths. Here’s a few questions that we have answered, and you may find helpful.
What salt can I use?
You can use white or brown rock salt, here are some facts about them to help you choose.
Brown rock salt
Brown rock salt is the most used, this is the one that you will see the gritting vehicles use on the main roads. This type of salt is mined in the UK in our salt mines, the largest and oldest mine is in Winsford, Cheshire. This was formed in 1844 when the local people were searching for coal, what a find!
Brown salt is readily available as it is mined in the country which makes it easy and quicker to source and in turn can be the cheaper option.
The only downside of brown salt is that it will leave a muddy sludgy residue behind and won’t be good for your floors or carpets if using it at home
White rock salt
White rock salt is sourced in from countries with hotter weather, Spain and Egypt are the main sources. It is a marine salt which is made by repeating the process of flooding huge salt beds with sea water, it is then left for the sun to evaporate the water leaving behind a crystallised salt deposit. This process is repeated until a large enough deposit has been made and will than be harvested and treated with an anti-caking agent. White salt doesn’t contain a variety of other materials like brown salt, this is a much purer salt which is why it is white.
This salt will not leave behind any residue so may be best to use if you don’t want dirty floors and carpets you’re on to a winner.
How does salt work?
Both salts lower the freezing point of moisture on the road surface, so that ice or snow that has already formed will melt and will prevent more ice forming.
When should I use salt?
The best time to use rock salt is before it snows, or the temperature drops as this will prevent the snow settling and ice forming.
Don’t worry though, if it snows before you have salted your driveways or paths this can be done after and it will work just as well as it will help to melt the snow and ice.
How do I use salt?
If it has snowed before you applied your salt you will need to shovel away the top layer of snow, this will help the salt get to the ice much quicker and work fast.
Once this has been done you are ready to spread the salt, apply this evenly across the areas required. You can use a scoop, shovel or hands (make sure you wear gloves).
Once you notice the snow melting and the ice breaking you can sweep away what is left and apply another layer if the weather forecasts a freeze or snow.
Where can I get my rock salt?
Simple answer, us! We bring our sourced salt back to our plant and will bag it into 20kg or bulk bags. No amount is too small or large, we can provide it.
Be prepared this winter!
