The amount of rock salt to be used varies depending on the temperature and location. For example, steep hills and sharp bends will benefit from more rock salt compared to flat and straight roads.
However, we recommend that 10-15 grams of rock salt are to be spread per square metre. This amount can increase to 20-40 grams if weather conditions are more severe or if rain has fallen before freezing temperatures are predicted (rainfall will wash away the rock salt).
For example;
- 500 square metres area = 5000 – 7500 grams of rock salt
Therefore, if you have a 6 cu ft grit bin which holds 175kg, you can cover the area a minimum of 23 times.
- A football pitch – 7,140 square metres (1.76 acres) = 71400 – 107100 grams of rock salt
Therefore, if you have a giant 50 cu ft grit bin which holds 1400kg, you can cover the area a minimum of 13 times.
When making salting decisions we use weather forecasts, computerised ice prediction systems and information from roadside weather stations to get the most accurate indications of where and when ice is likely to form. However, road surface temperatures and air temperatures are rarely the same and the road surface temperature is also used to make decisions on when to apply salt
The answer is yes, salt does indirectly damage your concrete driveways, patios and sidewalks. Bumps and potholes don’t just appear due to regular wear and tear – salt damages concrete over time by causing corrosion to occur under the surface, leading to discoloured, cracked and crumbling concrete.