Salt Gritting – A How-To Guide

Snow and ice have the potential to transform even the most familiar roads and walkways into perilous obstacles. One of the most effective and widely used methods to counteract these hazards is salt gritting. This simple yet powerful method involves spreading salt on surfaces to prevent ice from forming and to improve traction, making it safer to walk and drive. Salt gritting helps reduce the risk of accidents, ensures smoother commutes, and protects infrastructure from the damaging effects of freezing temperatures.

In this blog, we’ll explore the science behind salt gritting, why it’s so essential during the colder months, and how you can apply it to keep your surroundings safer.

What is Salt Gritting?

Salt gritting is the process of spreading rock salt or gritting salt over surfaces to prevent the accumulation of snow and ice. Rock salt, which is primarily composed of sodium chloride, is the most commonly used material for de-icing. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, making it harder for snow or ice to form or stick. The salt interacts with the moisture on the ground and starts to melt the ice, creating a safer environment.

Gritting is essential not only on roads but also on paths, driveways, and car parks, ensuring safety for pedestrians and vehicles alike during the winter months.

The Importance of Salt in Winter Safety

When cold weather hits, snow and ice can cause dangerous conditions. When temperatures drop below freezing, ice can form on roads, driveways, and car parks, making them slick and hazardous. Spreading salt and grit is one of the most cost-effective and reliable ways to combat icy conditions and ensure safety for both pedestrians and drivers.

The use of rock salt also helps avoid accidents caused by slipping and sliding on frozen surfaces. By applying salt before and during snowfalls, you can reduce the risk of injuries and damage to vehicles. As salt works to melt ice, it also provides a protective layer that helps prevent snow from sticking to surfaces in the first place.

The Process of Salt Gritting

Preparation and Planning

Before the first snowstorm or ice storm hits, it’s important to be prepared. This means having enough gritting salt on hand, ensuring your grit bins are filled, and having the right equipment for spreading it.

• Stock Up on Salt: Ensure you have enough rock salt or de-icing salt for the entire winter. If you’re managing a large area, purchasing bulk bags is the most economical choice.
• Check Your Grit Bins: If you have grit bins around your property or business, make sure they’re stocked and easily accessible. These bins are designed to store your salt in a weather-resistant container. This ensures that it’s ready to use at a moment’s notice.
• Select the Right Spreader: Depending on the area you’re covering, you may need a hand-held spreader, or a larger machine for wide areas like roads and car parks. For smaller spaces like driveways or paths, a handheld spreader should suffice.

Equipment

Hand-held Spreader

A hand-held spreader is a small, portable machine, usually operated by the user holding and walking while pushing or pulling it. These spreaders are designed for smaller spaces, such as residential driveways, garden paths, or small walkways.

How it Works: The spreader has a hopper (container for the material) and a rotating disc or agitator that disperses the material as you move. The main role of the agitator is to prevent clumping, bridging, or jamming of the material inside the hopper.

When you’re spreading granular materials like salt, they can sometimes become packed together, especially in damp or humid conditions. The agitator helps to keep the material loose and flowing so that it can be dispersed evenly. The user usually controls the release of material via a handle or lever.

Broadcast or Rotary Spreader (Larger Models)

These are larger machines typically used for spreading materials over a much wider area. They can cover large expanses like roads, car parks, sports fields, or even large residential lawns. These spreaders are often towed behind a vehicle or can be self-propelled.

How it Works:

These machines have a hopper for holding the material and a spinning disc that broadcasts the material in a wide pattern. The material is usually spread across a much larger area than with hand-held spreaders. The rate of spread can often be adjusted to accommodate different materials and coverage needs.

Salt Gritting – Covering Key Areas

• Driveways: Spread salt in a generous, even layer to melt the ice and prevent further accumulation.
• Car Parks: Use a larger machine or a walk-behind spreader to cover wide areas. Pay attention to corners and high-traffic areas.
• Paths: For paths, a handheld spreader will allow you to cover smaller areas quickly and effectively.
• Roads: For municipalities or large businesses, you may need to hire a contractor or use a road salt spreader truck to apply salt to larger road surfaces.

Application: How to Spread Salt Effectively

Once you have your rock salt ready, it’s time to apply it. The best time to spread salt is before snow accumulates or when the first signs of ice appear.

• Pre-treatment: If you know a snowfall is coming, it’s a good idea to apply the salt ahead of time. This helps to create a barrier that prevents the snow from sticking. As a result, the snow is easier to remove and doesn’t freeze into an ice layer.
• During Snow and Ice: If snow or ice is already present, apply gritting salt directly onto the affected surface. Be sure to spread it evenly to ensure maximum coverage and efficiency.
• Don’t Overdo It: More salt doesn’t always mean better results. Over-application wastes material and can cause environmental harm, including contaminating water sources, damaging soil quality, and harming plants. Excess salt can also disrupt local wildlife by altering habitats and affecting food sources. For optimal results, apply salt sparingly and evenly, only using what’s necessary for the conditions. This reduces waste and minimises environmental impact. One 25kg bag of rock salt can typically cover 400-500 square metres, but it depends on factors like the depth of application and the specific conditions (such as the type of surface and the severity of the weather).

Wait for the Salt to Work

Allow Time for Melting: After salting, give the salt some time to start working. This usually takes 15-30 minutes depending on temperature and snow accumulation. You should start to notice snow and ice melting and loosening from the surface.

Reapply if Necessary: If snow continues to fall, or if temperatures remain low, you may need to reapply salt after a few hours. This will help to keep surfaces clear and prevent refreezing.

Shovel or Remove Snow and Ice

Post-Salting Shovelling: Once the salt has had time to work, use a shovel, snow blower, or plough to clear away the melted snow or slush. This will help prevent the formation of compacted ice and make the area safer to walk on.

Be sure not to shovel too early – allow the salt sufficient time to work before attempting to remove the snow.

Clean Up Excess Salt

After the snow or ice has melted, if any salt remains on the surface, it’s a good idea to clean up excess salt to avoid potential damage to your driveway, concrete, or surrounding vegetation. You can use a broom to sweep up leftover salt or hose down areas with excessive build-up.

Additional Tips for Effective Salt Gritting

• Timing is Key: The earlier you apply rock salt or gritting salt, the more effective it will be. Applying salt in the early stages of snowfall or just before the cold sets in can prevent ice from forming in the first place.
• Layering: If the snowfall continues or the ice is thick, don’t hesitate to apply another layer of salt. This can ensure continuous melt and protection throughout the winter season.

Conclusion

With the right tools, preparation, and technique, salt gritting can save you time, money, and effort while keeping your roads, driveways, car parks, and paths safe during the harshest winter conditions.

Whether you’re managing a residential property or a business, having a good supply of rock salt, a reliable spreader, and a solid plan in place will help you stay ahead of the snow falls and icy conditions.