Salt vs. Icemelt vs. Brine
Ashley Reiter
Preparing for snow and ice can feel intimidating.
And yet, we know just how much it matters! So we’d like to help clarify, and help make all of your options clear and easy to understand. No intimidation required!
Effective deicing on those cold winter days can mean the difference between your business staying open or having to close; between residents being able to leave their homes or be stuck inside; or between keeping a valuable community space open, or having to close to the public. With many options to choose from, you may find yourself wondering what is the best option for your property. There are three options that are most commonly used for snow and ice removal: Salt, Icemelt, and Brine. Each one has unique strengths and weaknesses, and works best in specific situations.
SALT
Salt is an unrefined product, with non-uniform sized crystals, ranging from ⅛ to ¾ inches. It is extremely effective in melting existing ice, as well as being a preventative treatment when snow or ice are expected to hit. While it is the most effective at melting snow and ice, over time it can damage concrete, brick pavers and other specialty surfaces. Salt gives you cost savings, while rapidly increasing the wear and tear on many paved surfaces.
Pros:
Cost-effective
Highly efficient for short-term use
Can get into the corners & low spots where ice often forms
Cons:
Hard on specialty paved surfaces (may cause spalling)
Not as long lasting as other treatment options
ICE MELT
Icemelt is a bagged product, making it more expensive and requiring more labour to apply. It is far safer for all paved surfaces - including specialty surfaces - than salt. It is safe for pets, environmentally friendly, and it has a perfectly consistent, small grain size because of the intense screening process it goes through.
Pros:
Safer for specialty surfaces
Gentle on pets, plants, and the environment
Consistent crystal/grain size
Cons:
Higher cost upfront
Longer application time
BRINE
Brine is basically a liquid salt concentrate solution. It lasts longer than traditional salt products, however it does not melt snow and ice as effectively as salt and ice melt do. It's primarily used to stop snow and ice from compacting and adhering to the paved surfaces. It is often used before snowfall, because it allows snow to be slid across paved surfaces more easily. This product is most effective when there is a cold snap for several days with no precipitation. Have you ever noticed thin white lines on the highways & main roads during the winter? This is brine that has been sprayed on the surfaces.
Pros:
Most long lasting option and it temporarily bonds to paved surfaces
Highly effective in extended freezing conditions, or as a pre-snow treatment
Cons:
Melts snow and ice less efficiently than bulk salt or icemelt
Only works directly where its been applied
You are not alone in this process. At SnowCleared, we are committed to helping you find the best options for your property, in all of the unique situations that winter weather can throw at us. If you would like to hear more about the services we offer, and how we can help you keep your property safe and running smoothly through the winter months,