How does deicer compare to sand for ice control?

Hey there! As a deicer supplier, I often get asked about the age - old question: How does deicer compare to sand for ice control? Let's dig into this topic and break it down in a way that's easy to understand.

What's the Deal with Sand?

First off, sand has been around for ages as a go - to solution for dealing with icy roads and walkways. It's super cheap and easy to get your hands on. You can find it at most hardware stores or even borrow some from a nearby construction site.

When you sprinkle sand on ice, its main function is to provide traction. The rough texture of the sand grains helps tires and shoes grip the surface better, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This is especially important in areas where there's a lot of foot traffic, like sidewalks in front of stores or around apartment complexes.

However, sand has its limitations. It doesn't actually melt the ice. It just sits on top of it, providing a temporary fix. Once the ice starts to melt on its own (usually due to rising temperatures), the sand gets washed away. And if there's a lot of snowfall or new ice forms, you'll have to re - apply the sand all over again.

Another drawback is that sand can be a bit of a mess. It can get tracked into buildings, clog drains, and make a general nuisance of itself. In the long run, it can also cause damage to vehicles and equipment as it can get into moving parts and cause abrasion.

The Lowdown on Deicers

Now, let's talk about deicers. Deicers are chemicals that are designed to lower the freezing point of water, which in turn melts the ice. There are different types of deicers available on the market, and each has its own set of pros and cons.

One of the most common types of deicers is rock salt, also known as sodium chloride. It's relatively inexpensive and works well in moderate cold temperatures. When rock salt comes into contact with ice, it dissolves and forms a brine solution, which has a lower freezing point than pure water. This causes the ice to melt.

But rock salt isn't perfect. It can be harmful to the environment, especially to plants and wildlife. It can also cause corrosion to vehicles, bridges, and other metal structures. That's where more environmentally - friendly deicers come in.

For example, Snow - melting Agent is a great option. It's designed to melt ice effectively while being less harmful to the environment. It works by breaking down the ice crystal structure and preventing new ice from forming.

Another excellent product is Eco - way Sf Runway Deicer. This deicer is specifically formulated for runways, where safety is of the utmost importance. It has a fast - acting formula that can quickly clear ice and snow, ensuring smooth take - offs and landings.

And if you're looking for a more standard option, our 25kg white deicing salt is a popular choice. It's easy to handle and can be used in a variety of settings, from driveways to parking lots.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, deicers have a clear edge over sand. Deicers actually melt the ice, which means you don't have to worry about the ice reforming as quickly. They can also work in much colder temperatures than sand.

For instance, in really cold weather, say below 15°F (- 9°C), sand becomes almost useless as it can't provide enough traction on solid ice. But deicers can still be effective, depending on the type you choose. Some deicers can work at temperatures as low as - 25°F (- 32°C).

Deicers also tend to last longer. Once you apply a deicer, it can continue to work for several hours or even days, depending on the weather conditions. Sand, on the other hand, needs to be reapplied frequently, especially after a snowfall or if the ice starts to build up again.

Cost Considerations

Cost is always a factor when choosing between deicer and sand. Sand is definitely cheaper upfront. You can buy a large bag of sand for just a few dollars. But when you consider the long - term costs, deicers might actually be more cost - effective.

As I mentioned earlier, sand needs to be reapplied often, which means you'll be spending more money on buying and spreading it over time. Deicers, although more expensive per bag, can last longer and require less frequent application. So, in the grand scheme of things, you might end up saving money by using deicers.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact is a crucial aspect to consider. Sand is generally considered to be more environmentally friendly than some deicers, especially the traditional rock salt. Sand doesn't contain any chemicals that can harm plants or wildlife.

However, as I said before, sand can cause other environmental problems, such as clogging drains and causing abrasion to natural surfaces. And when it comes to more modern, eco - friendly deicers, the gap in environmental impact between sand and deicers starts to narrow.

For example, the Snow - melting Agent and Eco - way Sf Runway Deicer are designed to be less harmful to the environment while still being effective at melting ice.

Which One Should You Choose?

So, which one should you choose, deicer or sand? Well, it depends on your specific needs. If you're on a tight budget and just need a quick fix for a small area, sand might be the way to go. It's easy to use and readily available.

But if you're looking for a more long - term, effective solution, especially in areas where safety is a major concern, deicers are the better option. They can melt ice quickly, provide better traction, and last longer.

And if you're worried about the environment, there are plenty of eco - friendly deicers on the market, like the ones I mentioned above.

Time to Make a Decision

If you're still not sure which product is right for you, or if you have any questions about our deicers, don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you find the best solution for your ice control needs. Whether you're a homeowner looking to keep your driveway safe or a business owner responsible for a large parking lot, we've got you covered.

Contact us today to start a conversation about your ice control requirements. We can provide you with more information, samples, and competitive pricing. Let's work together to make your winter a safer and more manageable one!

References

• "Ice and Snow Control Manual" by the American Public Works Association.
• Various research studies on the effectiveness and environmental impact of deicers and sand in ice control.