A Quick Guide on How to Use Gritting Salt This Winter

With winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about keeping our walkways and driveways safe from ice and snow. One of the best ways to prevent icy surfaces is by using gritting salt and in this quick guide we’ll walk you through the essentials of choosing, applying and storing gritting salt effectively this winter.

1. Choosing the Right Gritting Salt

First things first, not all gritting salts are created equal. While traditional brown grit (often mixed with sand) is widely available, it can leave a messy residue that might not be ideal for areas like your pathway or patio. A great alternative is white rock salt – especially De icing salt from Mainland Aggregates as it’s sourced sustainably from the Mediterranean.

Furthermore, their white gritting salt is almost pure sodium chloride, meaning that every particle plays a role in breaking down ice and snow. I say ‘break down’ because as BBC Bitesize points out grit actually lowers the freezing point of moisture on the road surface, preventing snow from sticking in the first place. It doesn’t ‘melt’ it the same way heat does.

Because it’s nearly 100% active, gritting salt provides efficient melting without any of the leftover grime you might find with traditional brown grit. For families, keeping areas like patios, pavements or even playgrounds clean and safe is essential, making white salt an excellent choice. And as the Scientific American publication quotes, rock salt is ‘a cheap and effective way to protect roads from ice’.

2. How to Apply Gritting Salt

Once you have your salt, knowing how to apply it can make a big difference in how effective it is. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Clear Excess Snow: Before applying salt, try to remove any snow buildup using a shovel. This will help the salt work directly on the ice layer, making it more effective.
• Spread Evenly: Aim for an even layer of salt across the surface. Use a spreader if you’re covering larger areas like a driveway as this will distribute the salt more uniformly.
• Target High-Traffic Areas: Focus on steps, pathways and any areas where people walk or drive the most. These spots are prone to ice build-up, and salting them can help reduce the risk of slips.
• Reapply if Necessary: After heavy snowfall or rain, you might need to reapply salt to keep the area ice-free. White de-icing salt from Mainland Aggregates conforms to British Standard BS3247:2011, ensuring its quality and efficiency even under challenging conditions.

3. Tips for Storing Your Gritting Salt

Proper storage of your gritting salt ensures it remains effective all winter. Keep it in a dry place, ideally in a sealed container, to prevent moisture from clumping the salt. Moisture-free salt is easier to spread and will work more efficiently when you need it.

4. Eco-Friendly and Safe for the Family

Another reason to consider white de-icing salt is its eco-friendly nature. Unlike some salts that leave residues or stains, the white salt from Mainland Aggregates is cleaner, making it ideal for areas where children and pets play. It’s safe for pathways and patios without leaving the same grit that can get tracked indoors, making cleanup a breeze.

In Short

By preparing ahead of time and using a high-quality gritting salt, you can help to keep your outdoor areas safe and accessible all winter. Mainland Aggregates’ ‘user-friendly website’ (as Heavensa highlights) offers reliable, sustainably sourced white de-icing salt that works quickly and leaves little to no mess behind. So, get stocked up before the temperatures drop and make sure winter weather won’t stop you from enjoying your outdoor spaces safely.