Before · Anti-icing
Stop the bond
Brine on dry pavement hours before snow keeps it from freezing to the surface. Less salt, faster clearing.
The ice control lab.
Salt that is too cold to work is just expensive gravel. Ice control is chosen by pavement temperature, timing and surface — storm by storm.
Interactive
Drag the pavement colder.
Pavement temperature — not air temperature — decides what actually melts. Watch which materials keep working.
−8°Pavement °C
Recommended approach
Liquid brine (anti-icing)Sprayed on dry pavement before snowWorks
Rock saltLowest cost, general de-icingWorks
Pre-wet saltSalt wetted with brine as it spreadsWorks
Magnesium chloride blendEntrances, steps, colder daysWorks
Calcium chloride blendDeep-cold spot treatmentWorks
Sand / gritTraction only — does not meltWorks
Approximate practical working ranges. Real performance depends on sun, traffic, product blend and application rate.
Three tools
Before, after and when nothing melts.
Good ice control is timing first, material second.
After · De-icing
Melt what is left
Salt or blends spread after plowing, at a rate set for the temperature and the amount of ice.
Extreme cold · Traction
Grip, not melt
Sand or grit when it is too cold for salt, plus hand spot-treatment on steps, ramps and doorways.
Reference
Which material, when?
Approximate guidance — performance depends on pavement temperature, sun, traffic and the product.
| Material | Best for | Works down to (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rock salt (sodium chloride) | General de-icing on lots and walks | −9 to −12 °C pavement | Lowest cost; slows sharply in deep cold |
| Pre-wet salt | Faster start, less bounce | Slightly colder than dry salt | Salt sprayed with brine as it is spread |
| Liquid brine | Anti-icing before a storm | Depends on the blend | Uses far less salt when conditions suit |
| Magnesium / calcium chloride | Colder days, steps, entrances | Well below rock salt | Higher cost; used selectively |
| Sand / grit | Traction in extreme cold | Any temperature (does not melt) | Needs spring sweeping |
Responsible salt
Safer surfaces, less salt.
Over-salting damages concrete, landscaping and local waterways — and does not make a surface safer. Many Canadian municipalities and property managers now ask how a contractor manages salt.
Calibrated spreaders
Spreaders checked so material goes down at the intended rate.
Rate by conditions
Application rates set by temperature and ice type, not one setting all winter.
Sensitive areas
Less salt near creeks, wells and planting beds, with traction alternatives.
Spring sweep
Grit and leftover material swept up when the season closes.
Ask about salt-management training, such as the Smart About Salt program used by many Ontario contractors and property managers.
Book before winter
Routes fill before the first snowfall.
Site walks, staking and route planning happen in the fall. Lock in your trigger depth, service window and contract now — not after the first storm.
—Days until fall route planning closes (Nov 1)Build Winter Plan