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Except in very light snow, ice melting materials should never be
used in place of snow plowing. However, in combination with
trained personnel and equipment, ice melting materials play an
important part in controlling ice and snow. Whenever possible,
apply ice melting materials before a snowfall. You’ll use less, and
it will be more effective in preventing snow and ice from adhearing
to the pavement surface and less damaging for the environment.
You may have to increase the use of ice melting materials at night
and as temperatures fall.
Experts agree a mixture of two parts mixed ice melting materials
(1:3 calcium chloride to salt, by weight) mixed with one part
abrasive (cinder, sand or slag) is more effective than rock salt
alone in melting snow and ice below 30°F. One hundred fifty
pounds of such mixture with abrasives will treat a 50,000 sq.ft.
surface.
It is imperative to treat priority areas such as hills, heavy traffic
areas, bridges and intersections first, especially where snow
may compact and adhere to the road surface, causing icy road
conditions. When slush begins to stiffen and refreeze, it will be
necessary to plow again and reapply ice melting materials.
Minerals and Chemicals for Snow and Ice
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