The importance of de-icing salt for snow & ice removal

The importance of de-icing salt for snow & ice removal

Mathew Lowes |

You might be wondering why we’re talking about ice and snow when summer feels like it’s only just ended. But, as the temperature starts to drop, and the days get shorter, it’s crucial not to underestimate the importance of being prepared. British weather, as we all know, can be highly unpredictable. So, to stay safe this winter, plan ahead - stock up on rock salt and de-icers today!

The use of rock salt and de-icers are essential in ensuring your safety and mobility in harsh weather conditions. Cold weather can present numerous challenges, with icy roads, driveways, and pavements posing a significant risk to both pedestrians and drivers. Luckily, that’s where rock salt and de-icers come to the rescue. 

Rock salt

Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for centuries to combat icy conditions. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to lower the freezing point of water. When applied to icy surfaces, rock salt works by melting the ice and preventing further ice formation. This simple yet powerful solution is ideal for roads, driveways, and footpaths, making them safer for everyone.

At Stones4Homes, our pure brown rock salt isn’t blended or mixed with any sand or substitute, and conforms to BS3247. Buy our brown rock salt here.

De-icing salt

While rock salt remains a reliable choice, modern science has given us an array of de-icers that can be even more effective and environmentally friendly. De-icers like calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and potassium acetate work at lower temperatures than rock salt, making them ideal for extreme cold conditions. They also have the added benefit of being less harmful to vegetation, and less corrosive to vehicles and infrastructure.

Our white de-icing salt is a cleaner alternative to our brown rock salt, and is perfect for schools, hospitals, and places of work, for footpaths and entrance ways. Buy our white de-icing salt here.

Liquid de-icer

We also offer a liquid de-icer at Stones4Homes! Based on powerful de-icing technology for the aviation industry, Surefoot De-Icer is a high-performance liquid de-icer for use on footpaths and public thoroughfares, or any situation where ice poses a risk to pedestrians and users. 

It’s easy to handle and store, and non-corrosive. Additionally, Surefoot maintains effective ice control to lower temperatures than salt, remaining active down to temperatures as low as -50°C! By rapidly penetrating the snowpack and ice, Surefoot quickly breaks the bond between the ice and the surface, allowing easy removal by brushing and shovelling and inhibiting further ice formation.

Buy liquid de-icer here.

The importance of rock salt and de-icers cannot be overstated in maintaining safety and mobility during the cold months. Whether it’s keeping our roads clear for travel, or ensuring that pedestrians can walk safely, they’re the unsung heroes of every winter - so make sure to stock up early, and avoid being caught out.

Stones4Homes is a specialist Yorkshire-based supplier, selling rock salt that conforms to BS3247 standards. This is the same product that the Highways Agency uses - so you can rest assured that the rock salt you buy from us is 100% safe and effective!

If you want to find out more about our rock salt and de-icers, or for more information about our delivery services, contact our experienced team today. Just fill in this form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.