When we think of the winter season in the Tri-State area, we think of slippery, icy conditions, combined with plowed snow piles, hazardous roads, and walkways. It’s usually a time of year that peaks anxiety in many, especially those who find themselves needing to commute in the early morning before the sun has had the chance to melt off the ice and snow, those who are of senior status and not so nimble on their feet, or those who simply don’t have access to a plow, shovels, or proper snow removing equipment.
With that being said, it’s super important to take the proper precautions in order to reduce the risk of falling and injury caused by slippery ice and snow. De-icing salt is the #1 solution for ice and snow removal and prevention of buildup. The reason being, is that de-icing salt reduces the melting point of water and prevents ice from forming, therefore reducing the potential for snow and ice buildup. Sodium chloride is the most commonly used product for deicing roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and driveways – and most importantly it can help protect YOU and your loved ones this winter season.
Where to Start When Purchasing De-Icing Salt
Are you feeling a bit confused on where to start in the process of purchasing de-icing salts for your home or business? Not to worry, this is where New Jersey Salt LLC comes into play. Our exceptional customer service team will walk you through the process of placing your order and help you make important decisions, like how many bags of de-icing salt to purchase and what size makes the most sense for you. We typically recommend that the average homeowner purchases three to five 50 lb. bags of de-icing salt that will last the entire winter.
For business owners, it varies due to the size of the property, and we typically order anywhere from one to two pallets. To make things easier for you, we offer FREE delivery on orders within a 30-mile radius of Freehold, NJ. That includes delivery of new products, as well as removal of any pre-existing bags left from previous orders. This makes the process easy for you – we do the heavy lifting!
Now that you’ve established the basics on how to purchase your de-icing salt from New Jersey Salt LLC, let’s dive into our tips that will ensure that our salt protects you this winter season.
1. Remove the snow.
Have you ordered your salt after snow has fallen? No problem. It might be tempting to toss some de-icing salt on snow, but you’re not making the most of it that way or it may not work at all. Rock salt breaks up the bond between pavement and ice, so the salt has to make contact with the pavement. Do your best to clear away any pre-existing snow prior to spreading your de-icing salt.
2. Spread it out.
It’s not a good idea to cluster large amounts of rock salt together. It’s best to use a household spreader or ask us to help if you require a bigger job. If not, spreading it out by hand will do just fine, just be sure you’re wearing gloves to protect yourself from the salt and the cold!
Throw salt consistently to create a thin layer on the surface. If you’ve applied too much in one area you can brush it out with a broom. Each type of rock salt has different guidelines on how thick or thin your application should be, so if you have any questions we encourage you to ask.
3. Care for your surfaces.
Damage to your driveway or other paved surfaces can be caused by using too much rock salt or from seasonal freezing and thawing cycles. Apply rock salt regularly during the winter months, but don’t overdo it! As mentioned, we typically recommend three or five 50 lb. bags of de-icing salt for single-family homes and approximately one to two pallets for businesses. If you are exceeding that amount in one season, you may be overusing it!
4. Keep your pets safe.
In the winter, your pet will be walking on all kinds of salted surfaces, not just your own driveway. The salt can be drying on their skin, so wipe their paws off when you return from your walk or being outdoors. Sometimes rock salt can get lodged in-between a dog’s paws, making them uncomfortable and reluctant to walk. If your pet is hopping around, check to see if salt is between their toes. If this becomes a regular occurrence, get your furry friend some booties to protect the feet.
Keep in mind that our business is booming and we are currently operating on a short waitlist and are booked 2-3 days in advance. Call NOW to reserve your spot!
If you have any questions about the safety of de-icing salt, its environmental impact, best application methods, or other rock salt questions, we’d love to hear from you! Contact New Jersey Salt LLC today!
