Lola Rose is a writer for Akomplice, a Marketing Technology Agency.
Winter in Utah brings icy conditions that can turn driveways and walkways into hazardous areas. Icy surfaces not only pose a risk for slips and falls but also make it difficult for vehicles moving on and off driveways. That’s why ice melt salt is a must-have for homeowners and property managers to keep their sidewalks and driveways safe during winter weather. It’s important to use road salt correctly so that it’s able to melt ice, reduce slip hazards, and prevent damage to your surfaces. But with so many ice melt products available, it’s hard to know how to apply them and which product best suits your needs. Kilgore Landscape Center and a few other locations in Utah stand out for their products.
Why Use Ice Melt Salt?
Ice melt works by lowering the freezing point of water, which helps break the bond between the ice and the ground. This makes it easier to remove ice and reduces the chance of future ice forming in freezing conditions. The most common types of road salts and ice melt products contain additives like sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride, each depending on the temperature. In Utah, where temperatures can fluctuate dramatically and dip below freezing often, choosing the right product is important. For example, one popular product, Purple Heat Ice Melt from Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center, can melt ice in temperatures as low as -15°F and works well in colder climates.
Selecting the Right Ice Melt Salt for Utah’s Winter
Utah winters can range from moderate to severe, and that variability requires selecting the right type of ice melt salt based on the conditions you expect. There are several factors to consider when choosing an ice melt product:
- Temperature Range – If you live in an area where temperatures drop significantly, a product like Purple Heat Ice Melt is a smart choice. It is specifically formulated to work in extremely cold conditions, which makes it a reliable solution even in extreme weather.
- Surface Material – Different products can have different effects on certain surfaces. For example, traditional road salt might cause damage to concrete over time, especially if used excessively or on newly installed surfaces. However, concrete safe ice melts are designed to minimize the potential damage to concrete driveways or sidewalks. If your surfaces are concrete, these products are worth considering to prevent long-term wear and tear. However if this does happen, Kilgore Landscape Center offers a disposal site for concrete and asphalt.
- Application Needs – Depending on the size of the area you’re covering, you may want to use a bulk or bagged product. Homeowners with smaller driveways may prefer the convenience of bagged ice melt, such as Purple Heat Ice Melt. But those responsible for larger properties or businesses may benefit from bulk purchases such as bulk road salt or Purple Heat Ice Melt (Full Pallet).
For those searching for a reliable local supplier, looking up “best road salt near me” can help you find a Salt Lake Landscape Center near you that carries the products you need.
How to Apply Ice Melt Salt Effectively
Knowing how to apply ice melt salt correctly is just as important as choosing the right product. Properly applying your product can guarantee safety while minimizing waste and potential surface damage.
- Start by Clearing Snow: Before you apply ice melt, always remove as much snow as possible. Using a snow shovel or snow blower is an effective way to clear the area. Ice melt works best when it can directly contact the ice, not when it’s layered over snow. This ensures that the salt can penetrate and break the bond between the ice and the ground more quickly.
- Apply the Right Amount: Overusing ice melt can lead to several issues, such as damaging surrounding vegetation, impacting nearby water sources, and wasting product. For most driveways and sidewalks, 2 to 4 ounces of salt per square yard is typically sufficient for light to moderate ice accumulation. Heavier snow and ice may require slightly more, but avoid piling on the salt.
- Spread Evenly: Uniform distribution is key to ensuring the salt melts the ice efficiently and consistently. You can use a handheld spreader for deicing smaller areas like walkways or sidewalks, or a wheeled spreader for larger driveways. An even spread prevents concentrated areas of salt, which can cause damage to concrete or other surfaces over time. Products like Purple Heat Ice Melt help with this process thanks to their colored dye, which shows where you’ve already applied the salt, reducing the risk of over-application.
- Reapply as Needed: Depending on the severity of the winter conditions, you may need to reapply ice melt salt after large amounts of snowfall or freezing rain. However, be mindful of how much you’re using, as overuse can result in product runoff that may impact nearby flower beds or landscaped areas. For example, if your property includes mulch bed landscaping products or soil landscaping products, take care to avoid applying salt too close to these areas.
Protecting Driveways and Walkways from Damage
While ice melt products are very effective in improving safety, improper use can cause damage to surfaces. Concrete, in particular, is prone to spalling and cracking when exposed to certain types of road salts. To protect your driveway or walkway, consider the following:
- Use Concrete Safe Products: If your driveway or sidewalk are concrete, think about using concrete safe ice melts. These products are formulated to minimize the risk of surface damage, particularly on newly installed concrete, which is more susceptible to deterioration. Purple Heat Ice Melt is a great example of a product that works well on both concrete and asphalt, reducing the likelihood of surface degradation.
- Avoid Overuse: Excessive salt application can lead to a buildup of residue on the surface, which can weaken the material over time. This is especially important on decorative surfaces like colored landscaping rocks or custom stonework, as salt can cause discoloration and damage to the finish. Make sure to clean off any excess salt once the ice has melted to protect these areas.
- Monitor Runoff: Salt runoff can not only affect your driveway but also the surrounding landscape. Plants and grass are sensitive to salt, and too much can cause soil to become compacted or hinder plant growth. If you have nearby flower beds or landscaping that includes mulch or soil, be careful to avoid applying ice melt salt too close to these areas to prevent damage.
Local Utah Suppliers
When it comes to winter safety, everyone should know a reliable supplier for ice melt. Before winter comes, make sure to look up “the best road salt near me” so that you have access to the products you need, especially during peak winter months. Local suppliers like Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center offer a long list of winter products, including Purple Heat Ice Melt, bulk road salt, and other bulk landscaping products. With over two decades of experience serving Utah, Kilgore Landscape Center has built a reputation for quality products and dependable landscaping services.
Prepare Now with Ice Melt Salt
As Utah’s temperatures begin to drop, now is the time to start buying ice melt salt for driveways and walkways so you loved ones stay safe during Utah’s winter months. With products like Purple Heat Ice Melt or Ice Bomb Ice Melt, homeowners and property managers can keep their surfaces clear of ice and minimizing potential damage to property. Choosing the right product for your area and surfaces and applying it correctly will maximize efficiency and safety. If you’re looking for reliable winter products, Kilgore’s Salt Lake Landscape Center and other locations in Utah offer many de-icing products and other winter essentials for your property year-round.
