EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ROCK SALT

DATE: August 23, 2017

Have you ever wondered about the economic costs of a winter storm that’s so bad that it shuts down roads and cities? A study by Marquette University estimates a severe storm that shuts down a city “can cost state economies as much as $700 million a day.”

The human costs are equally impressive. According to the Salt Institute, studies have proven that de-icing roads with salt reduce accidents by 88% and injuries by 85%. The importance of keeping roads clear from ice is a massive winter responsibility, which is why road salt is an investment that pays off.

What is Rock Salt?

Road salt also called rock salt or halite is a type of salt that’s commonly used on roads. It’s the same type of mineral as table salt, but it’s much larger. Rock salt crystals are large and chunky and have more trace minerals than conventional table salt, which ultimately impacts its chemical behaviour. This means that pouring table salt on your driveway will never be as effective a solution as using rock salt!

Rock salt is the type of road salt that you’re most likely to find in grocery stores and hardware stores when you buy salt to keep your driveway, sidewalk, and walkway clear during the winter.

Is Rock Salt Safe for the Environment?

Rock salt lowers the freezing point of water, which is why road salt has been used to de-ice roads for decades. However, because of the excessive salty runoff, which can have a negative impact on the environment when used in excess, other types of de-icers have been developed to keep municipal roads clear of ice in the winter.

Because rock salt is so cost-effective, many municipalities do still use it in areas wherever possible. Research studies by the University of Waterloo and Guelph University have investigated the environmental benefits of best practices surrounding road salt. These studies have shown that “when safe and sustainable snow fighting practices are implemented the impact of road salt on the environment is minimal and manageable.”

Rock Salt Delivery

Rock salt delivery is a necessity for any business or municipality using this form of road salt in large quantities. Delivery is available in most areas, with Draglam Salt Locations situated across Ontario including:

• Brampton

• Concord

• Etobicoke/Toronto West

• Mississauga

• Oakville

• Hamilton Mountain

• Toronto

• Scarborough/Markham

• Pickering

• Oshawa Yard

• Oshawa Docks

• Aurora

• Bradford

At Draglam Salt, we deliver products for any amount, with a minimum order of one tonne for bulk salt and bulk road salt products and a minimum order of one skid for bagged salt and de-icing salt products. The number of bags that fit on a skid differs depending on the product you choose, and product availability varies by location and time of year.

Get the product and the quantity of road and de-icing salt products that you need, when you need them! Don’t delay. Make the call today to coordinate your rock salt delivery. Contact our 24-hour hotline at 416-798-7050 ext 5 or email us to set up your next rock salt delivery.