Rock Salt Bulk Bag

What is a Brown Rock Salt Bulk Bag?

Rock salt, also known as halite, is extensively used for de-icing roads, walkways, and driveways during the winter months. Rock salt bulk bags come in various types, like brown rock salt and white de-icing salt.

The salt itself is coarse and irregular in shape, usually in shades of white to off-white, and sometimes it's treated with anti-caking agents to prevent clumping. Here at Materials Market, we sell brown rock salt only. 

These bags are commonly used by municipalities, road maintenance services, and areas with heavy snowfall for de-icing and maintaining safe walking and driving conditions.

Where Is Brown Rock Salt Bulk Bag Used? 

• De-Icing: Extensively used for de-icing in cold weather conditions.
• Large Areas: Suitable for treating car parks, roads, and driveways.
• Paths and Walkways: Effective for making paths and walkways safe.
• General Gritting: Used as road grit to provide traction and prevent slipping.
  
  

Brown Rock Salt Application Tips

• Pre-Treatment: Applying it before a snowstorm can prevent ice from bonding strongly to the surface.
• Quantity: Using the correct amount is crucial. Overuse can increase environmental and infrastructural damage, while underuse may not effectively melt ice.
• Combination with Sand: Sometimes, it's mixed with sand to improve traction and reduce the amount of salt needed.
  
  

Brown Rock Salt Bulk Bag Benefits

• Economical: Buying in bulk is cost-effective.
• Convenient Storage: Allows for easy and tidy storage, suitable for indoor safekeeping.
• Ease of Spreading: Can be spread manually or with machinery, suited for both residential and commercial use.
• Versatility: Suitable for a variety of surfaces and conditions, including ice and snow.

How Brown Rock Salt Works

Rock salt, which is essentially unrefined sodium chloride (table salt), plays a crucial role in de-icing and managing snowy or icy conditions, particularly in colder climates. 

Rock salt lowers the freezing point of water. When spread on ice or snow, it causes the ice to melt, even at temperatures below the normal freezing point of water. This process is known as freezing point depression.

White Rock Salt vs Brown Rock Salt

White and brown rock salts are two distinct types of de-icing agents, each with unique characteristics and applications.

Brown rock salt is sourced from subterranean salt deposits located primarily in the Cheshire region. This variety of salt is a popular choice among local authorities, council departments, and transport services for enhancing traction on icy roads. The characteristic brown hue of this salt is attributed to the natural impurities it contains, which are a result of it being extracted directly from underground mines.

In contrast, white rock salt is produced through a natural evaporation process involving sea water. This process occurs in shallow pools, where the evaporation of sea water leaves behind salt crystals. The key advantage of white rock salt lies in its purity and cleanliness.

Unlike its brown counterpart, which can leave a muddy residue (and is more likely to be brought inside with shoes), white rock salt does not leave any discernible traces. This quality makes it a preferred option in areas where cleanliness and hygiene are paramount, such as around hospitals, school premises, building entrances, and footpaths.That being said, the gritty residue left behind by brown rock salt does provide additional traction underfoot.

The choice between white and brown rock salt often depends on the specific needs of the area being treated, balancing factors such as cleanliness, efficacy, and environmental impact.

Rock salt (brown salt) is cheaper than white salt so it is a more economical option when covering large areas.