Winter is almost here, and that means that it’s time to start thinking about stocking up on rock salt. While you may realize that ice melt is a staple throughout the colder months of the year, there may be some things that you don’t know about purchasing and using rock salt.
After all, there are a number of different products on the market, each with their own unique capabilities and advantages.
Which is best suited for your climate, property and individual needs? Where should you go to find this ice melt?
Fortunately, finding the answers isn’t as overwhelming as it may initially seem. Here are ten simple questions to ask yourself in order to narrow down your options and purchase the very best rock salt at the fairest prices.
1. How much precipitation is my area likely to get?
Purchasing bulk rock salt and other ice melting materials has a great deal to do with the amount of precipitation that your area can expect during the winter.
Here in NJ and throughout all of the northeastern states it’s not uncommon to see months filled with sleet and snowfall that has the potential to form ice nearly everywhere.
Be aware, too, that this year is an El Nino winter which means that we may see even higher volumes of precipitation than normal.
2. How cold does my area get?
The temperature of your area is another major factor in figuring out how much rock salt to purchase, as well as which type to buy. Certain types of rock salt are formulated to work effectively in much colder temperatures than others.
For example, while Ice Patrol brand ice melt is designed to work in temperatures down to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, deicers that contain calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) may work in temperatures as low as -25 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. How much rock salt will I need for my coverage area?
It’s important to have a good understanding of how much rock salt will be required to cover your property’s surfaces. You’ll need to measure your various coverage areas, such as driveways, sidewalks and parking lots. Multiplying the length by the width of these spaces will tell you how many square feet need to be covered.
Next, take a look at the rock salt that you are thinking about buying. The bag should specify how many pounds of the material should be applied per square foot. Multiply this number by the total square feet of your coverage area to figure out how many pounds you’ll require per snowfall.
4. Will my children be safe?
Because children love to play out in the snow, it’s important that the ice melting materials we use are safe around little ones. If this is a concern for you, be sure to look for a brand that has been formulated to be used around kids.
Safer-Than-Salt Commercial Formula is a product that is less toxic and harmful to children. In addition, its crystals are colored so that it’s easy to spot the areas where the product has been applied.
5. Will my pets be safe?
People with pets will often worry about the safety of their pets when exposed to rock salt and other ice melting materials. Some deicers can get stuck in the pads of a dog or cat’s paws, which can later lead to chemical irritation and burning, as well as accidental ingestion and illness.
To protect your furry friends, we recommend that you look for a product like Safer-Than-Salt Breeder’s Preferred which is designed with pet safety in mind.
6. Is vegetation a concern for me?
Certain types of rock salt have been known to negatively impact the health of grass, trees, shrubs and other vegetation. If you’ve got plants that you work hard to care for and want to preserve – even throughout the winter months – you might want to pick up a bag of EnvironMelt.
Not only does this type of rock salt work well with vegetation, but it also causes far less corrosion to concrete and wood than other ice melting products on the market.
7. How much does rock salt cost?
Rock salt prices tend to vary based upon the specific capabilities of the brand being purchased, its chemical makeup, and the quantity required. You’ll find that in nearly all cases, bulk quantities of rock salt are far less expensive than purchasing by the individual bag. This is why it’s such a good idea to calculate out your seasonal needs in advance and purchase your materials up front, all at once.
8. Where should I go to buy rock salt?
Finding the right bulk rock salt supplier can make or break your efforts to purchase all of your materials on a low and reasonable budget. It’s typically in your best interest to seek out a local supplier that carries a large inventory of materials for you to choose from.
Look for a company that offers fair and competitive prices on its products and offers deals for purchasing in bulk. Your supplier should also employ workers that have the ability to direct you to the right product for your needs – not just the most expensive one.
9. Can my rock salt order be delivered?
If you’re one of the many people that find that you would benefit from purchasing a bulk quantity of rock salt, you’ll need to have a means of transporting your order of materials from the supplier back to your location.
In many cases, this means hiring a delivery service to take care of the job for you. It’s wise, therefore, to look for a supplier that not only sells the materials that you need, but also is willing and able to get the goods from Point A to Point B. This is the most reliable and affordable means of having your rock salt delivered.
10. Do I have the ability to store rock salt?
Once you’ve ordered your bulk rock salt and have had it delivered, you need to have a means of storing it until the time comes when the material actually needs to be used.
In addition to having a large enough area to keep the materials, you need to make sure that your rock salt will always be sealed and kept up off of floors and away from areas where it may come into contact with moisture.
In addition to this, you should keep in mind that rock salt can become clumped and ineffective when stored in too cold an area, so be sure to keep storage temps above freezing.
Contact Expert Rock Salt Suppliers
After carefully answering these questions, you should find that it’s a lot easier to select the ideal rock salt for your unique needs. Do you still have concerns about which material is right for you? Don’t hesitate to reach out to the experts here at Braen Supply.
Our professionals able to provide you with valuable product insights and seasonal advice to help you make the best decisions possible. Our rock salt is available at competitive prices and can be purchased by the bag, pallet or truckload, depending on the material desired. Ask about bulk delivery services throughout NJ, NY, PA and CT.
