Bulk Salt Products

Bulk rock salt is the most convenient to store, common and readily available ice removal product. For small to medium size walks and drives, to city roads, it is considerably easy to spread. Salt, which is usually sodium chloride or table salt, is also the lowest cost deicer and, in most situations, works well to melt ice. As the old standby, rock salt gets the job done efficiently and inexpensively. There are several varieties of salt and mixtures of products on the market. In addition to sodium chloride, potassium chloride is also commonly used. It is somewhat more expensive, but extends the time that melted ice stays liquid. To make it more cost effective, potassium chloride is often blended with sodium chloride.

Liquid Deicers

Liquid de-icing products are the new kids on the block; many homeowners are not familiar with them. That is OK, because in most situations, liquid deicers are more practical for large-scale ice removal. Liquid de-icing products are efficient and cost effective for commercial properties and roadways. They work particularly well if applied just before or during snowfall. As with bagged salt products, there are different liquid de-icers available. Some of the most common liquid deicers are sodium chloride based with other chemicals added to maintain a liquid form. Other liquid products may use non-chloride salts and additives. Some of these mixtures are designed to be environmentally friendly and to reduce corrosion. Though liquid deicers are usually applied with large mechanical equipment, for smaller scale properties they can be used with hand-held sprayers. If you like the accuracy of spray application and don’t mind paying a little more, you can use a liquid product around your home.

Deicer Product Quality

With many different brands and de-icing mixtures on the market, quality and effectiveness can vary. Read the label carefully to make sure the ingredients are what you expect them to be. Also check application rates compared to the cost of the product. If you are not sure what product is best for your situation, talk to your local landscape supply company. Given the importance of salt and deicer products, it makes sense to do a little bit of research and cost comparison. Drop by to speak to one of our expert team members about making the right selection.