Picking Rock Salt and Ice Melts for Summit County Colorado

Picking the right de-icing salt in Summit County

Here in Summit County, we have a need for all the types of snow removal equipment and tools. While deciding between a snow shovel and a snow blower may be an easy decision, deciding between salt, sand and de-icing options can be confusing.

There are many options available for utilizing salts to improve traction by removing snow and ice around your home or business. In addition to creating a safer area to walk around you house, its first important to keep your family and pets safe without damaging your driveway, walkways, steps, and your lawn and landscape with salts.

Today you will find most home services stores, grocery markets, along with specialty stores such as pet stores, carry these chemicals. The most common ice melts include calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium chloride (rock salt), and urea (carbonyl diamide). With the exception of calcium magnesium acetate (Commercial use), these compounds are all available for home application use.

The graphic below shows commonly used salts along with differences in their properties.

4 Tips in getting the de-icer to be effective and safe.

1. Remove all the snow in the area to be treated first.

2. Properly apply the salts with a wheeled or handheld spreader to apply ice melt ice melt in a thin, even layer. You can do it by hand with a small cup, but remember to create a thin surface layer. It’s also possible to apply the ice melt before storms.

3. Protect surfaces not using too much ice melt and, especially for concrete. Also remember to follow the manufacturers recommended application amount on product packaging.

4. Protect your family and pets from ice melting compounds.  Make sure that feet and paws are cleaned before coming inside. Make sure the salts are evenly distributed to avoid “salt piles” that children and pets might be attracted to.  Consider using more “natural” compounds to avoid salt buildup and reduce toxic chemicals in your yard.