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5 Tips: Precautions you should take when salting your asphalt

      Are you tired of dealing with icy driveways and sidewalks during the winter? Not only can it be dangerous, but it can also cause damage to your pavement if not dealt with properly. The key to effectively melting ice without damaging your asphalt and lawn is to choose the right salt and use it correctly. In this article, we will provide you with the different types of salt to use for different temperatures and surfaces. By the end of this article, you will be able to keep your asphalt safe and in good condition throughout the winter.

1. Shovel first, salt second:

Always make sure to shovel the snow before you apply salt. This will allow you to use less salt, and it will be more effective in melting the ice.

2.  More is not better!:

Using too much salt can cause major damage to your driveway and lawn once the snow melts.

3.  Spread salt evenly:

Don’t pile on the salt in patches, even if some areas seem to be worse than others.

4.  Choose the right salt:

Different salts work best in different temperatures. If you live in an area with below zero temperature days, then you most likely need a salt that works past below zero temperatures, like calcium chloride.

5.  Clean paws and hands:

Many salts are abrasive and can make your skin itchy and red. Also, many salts such as sodium chloride, are extremely toxic to pets. If you’re out walking your pet, make sure to wash off any salt that may have gotten on their paws.

5 Types of Salt:



Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt)

  • $10.28 ($0.21/lb)

Melting temperature of 5°F

Advantages: Cost-Effective. Lowers freezing point of water to 20° F. 

Disadvantages: May cause asphalt damage.

Dangers: Lethal if ingested.


NOTE: If you use a vehicle in the winter and park it outside on the asphalt, the rock salt mixture from the roads will melt off of your car and soak into the voids in the asphalt.


Calcium Chloride

  • $21.48 ($0.43/lb)           

Melting temperature of -25°F

Advantages: More effective than Rock Salt: covers more area and works faster. Safer to use on asphalt than rock salt. 

Disadvantages: More expensive than rock salt. If over applied it can cause damage to lawn/asphalt when snow melts. The excessive salt will mix with the water and get into cracks/vegetation.

Dangers:  Not pet friendly but not as dangerous as rock salt. 


Magnesium Chloride

  •   $20.98 ($1.19/lb)         

Melting temperature of -15°F

Advantages: All natural. Safer around pets. More effective than Rock Salt.

Disadvantages: Expensive. It can cause damage to asphalt but not as much as Rock Salt. 


Potassium Acetate and Calcium

Magnesium Acetate

  • $19.98 ($2.00/lb)

Melting temperature of 0-20°F

Advantages: Stop ice before it starts. Safest option. All natural. Pet/Vegetation friendly. Little to no damage to asphalt.

Disadvantages: Expensive. Not a good option after ice has accumulated. 


      In conclusion, it's important to understand that while rock salt may be the most popular and cost-effective option, it can be damaging to asphalt if not used properly. However, if applied with care and attention, it can effectively melt ice and snow without causing significant damage. Property managers and homeowners who have small driveways may also want to consider more expensive options, such as calcium magnesium acetate or potassium chloride. Ultimately, the most important thing is to ensure that the salt is spread evenly, and that the right amount is used, as well as taking into consideration the temperature. Remembering the 5 key points in the beginning, such as shoveling first, cleaning paws and hands and not overusing salt, will be the most important factors in protecting your asphalt from damage. If you try any of these other methods, please let us know how it worked for you!

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