Is sand better than salt for ice?
Sand does not melt anything; it only adds traction on top of ice. It is the right tool when it is too cold for de-icers to work, and the wrong one at 30°F, where it becomes grit to sweep up in spring.
Sand and other abrasives are also tracked indoors and wash into storm drains, so they are best used where traction is needed right now and melting is not possible.
Go deeper
Sources
More on salt & ice
- At what temperature does rock salt stop working?
- Why is my parking lot icy even though it was salted?
- Why did my contractor salt when it didn't snow?
- What is pre-treatment or brine, and is it worth it?
- Does salt damage concrete sidewalks?
- What is the difference between rock salt, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride?
- What ice melt is safe for pavers and natural stone?
- Is ice melt safe for pets and landscaping?
From JRW Services LLC, commercial snow and ice management across Sussex, Passaic, Bergen, Morris and Warren counties, NJ. All answers
Need this handled at your property?
Call (973) 459-0074 or send the form, and we will walk the site and put it in writing before the first storm.
