Before or After the Snow? Here’s The Right Time to Salt Your Driveway This Winter
It’s always a good idea to salt after it snows, but don’t rely on it to replace snow removal efforts. First remove as much snow as possible with a shovel or snowblower, then use salt to clear away any remaining slush and snow.
The best time to salt is immediately after snow removal, before cold nighttime temperatures set in. “When applied before the temperatures drop, salt prevents ice from forming and ensures the snow does not freeze solid to the ground,” Angelika Klimorowski, a winter maintenance specialist at Online Rock Salt, says.
Should You Do Both? (Anti-Icing and De-Icing?)
Apply salt before and after a big storm for best results, especially when heavy snow, sleet or freezing rain is Services, says. “For a typical snowfall, both applications usually aren’t necessary.”
If only a few inches of snow is forecast, salting after snow removal is likely sufficient. Applying salt before and after a small storm is not only a waste of money, but can damage driveway surfaces, burn lawn edges and generate harmful storm runoff.
How Much Rock Salt Do You Need?
“The exact amount of rock salt that you need will depend on how big the area is that you are planning to de-ice,” Klimorowski says. A little goes a long way, and more is not better. A 12-oz. coffee mug filled with salt is enough to treat a 1,000-sq.-ft. driveway. Spread salt evenly, leaving about 3 inches between salt grains. Avoid overapplication, as it can degrade driveway surfaces and harm the environment.
A handheld spreader makes application easier and more consistent, especially for larger driveways. “We try to follow recommended coverage rates and use a spreader wherever possible,” Strickland says. “Too much salt wastes product and can damage surrounding grass and gardens.”If spreading salt by hand, always wear gloves and cascade it for even coverage.
Rock salt is only effective down to ground temperatures of 15 to 17 degrees. Don’t apply more salt if it’s not working, as it’s likely too cold out for it to work. “If your area tends to experience colder temperatures, you may need to find an alternative de-icing product to keep your surfaces safe,” Klimorowski says. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride ice melt products are two common alternatives that remain effective at sub-zero temperatures.
Does rain wash away salt?
Yes, rain will wash away salt rather than dissolve it. It then ends up in storm drains and potentially pollutes local bodies of water.
What temperature is too cold for rock salt?
Rock salt stops working in temperatures below 10 to 15 degrees.
Is it ever/when is it too late to salt?
“While it is true that salt will work best if you apply it before the temperatures drop, there is no deadline, and you can always apply it later,” Klimorowski says.
Will salt damage your driveway?
There’s no guarantee salt will damage your driveway, but you should use it sparingly. Concrete driveways are particularly vulnerable to salt damage.
About the Experts
- Angelika Klimorowskiis ade-icing and winter maintenance specialist working at
<li><b>Aaron Strickland</b>is asecond-generation owner of
