De-icing is an important part of the snow removal process. A slick road or driveway can easily cause a serious accident or injury, and de-icing agents like salt are commonly used to improve traction and prevent falls. Here’s what you need to know about how salt is used in the snow removal process in the winter.

How Does Salt Work?

Salt is effective at removing snow and ice because it changes the freezing temperature of water. Not only does this melt ice that’s already on the ground, but it also prevents snow from sticking to the ground and new ice from forming. Since salt will continue to offer benefits after it’s put down, it’s an important tool in a snow removal professional’s arsenal.

For all the good salt does during the winter, it can also pose some issues. For instance, salt can degrade asphalt over time, which is bad for your driveway. When salt makes its way into local water sources, it can also result in contamination issues. While salt can be used conscientiously and not cause damage, there are a few alternatives available that pose less of a risk.

What Are the Alternatives to Salt?

Sand is often used as a low-cost alternative to salt for increased traction on slick roads. Magnesium chloride is another option that melts snow, but it also needs to be applied more often to be effective; while it’s more expensive, it’s also less corrosive, which means you won’t need to worry about degradation of asphalt and pavement. There is also potassium acetate, which is considered environmentally friendly, as well as calcium magnesium acetate, which is safe for the environment and less corrosive on concrete.

Tom's Bobcat & Snowplowing believes in treating driveways and roads with as little disruption as possible. That’s why they remain on the cutting edge of snow removal technology, whether it comes to de-icing agents or heavy-duty snowplowing. Along with safe and efficient snow removal services, they also offer landscaping, trucking and hauling, and gravel driveway repairs. Call (608) 785-1888 today to schedule service in La Crosse, WI. You can also visit them online for more information on sanding and salting.