How Much Ice Melt to Use: Best Practices for Winter

Winter is approaching quickly, and with it comes the challenge of keeping your property safe and accessible for employees, customers, and visitors. De-icing products are a must-have for anyone dealing with winter weather and icy conditions, especially products containing sodium, calcium, or magnesium chloride. But what is the right amount of ice melt to use?

In this guide, our experts at Ninja De-Icer will explore the best practices for applying ice melt so you can keep your property safe without overspending or risking damage.

Does It Matter How Much Ice Melt I Use?

Absolutely! Using the right kind of ice melt and applying it in the right amount is vital for both safety and property maintenance. During snow removal, if you don’t use enough salt or ice melt products, the ice can quickly turn into a dangerous slip hazard. Too much product, however, and you’ll not only spend more than necessary, but you might also end up causing damage to your concrete, vegetation, or even harming the environment. Finding the perfect balance is key. 

Ice Melt Application Strategies

According to the Smart Salting for Property Management Manual, your ice melt strategy should align with your Level of Service (LOS), which determines how frequently and with what products you apply ice melt. The LOS helps you decide on the amount of ice melt, how to apply it, and how often to reapply throughout the winter.

Bare Pavement

Achieving bare pavement is the goal, but it’s not always easy. A bare pavement is free from snow and ice. Lines should be visible on bare pavement, as they’re typically needed for high-traffic areas. These areas require more effort and a more strategic ice melt application to ensure safety.

• Liquid de-icing is best practice. By applying liquid brine before the snow or ice starts to accumulate. This helps prevent the snow and ice from bonding to the surface.
  
• Mechanical snow removal comes next. Plow regularly to keep surfaces clear and prevent ice formation.
  
• De-icing products should be applied regularly, depending on the level of traffic and the effectiveness of the snow removal steps.
  

Do not skip any steps when aiming for bare pavement. If you don’t follow the strategy, it may result in dangerous conditions and higher costs down the line.

bulk-ice-control-salt

Traditional Bulk Salt

lightning-premium-ice-melter

Lightning Premium Ice Melter 50 Lbs Bag

Starting at $6.04 (per bag)

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Salt Brine

Starting at $0.30 (per gallon)

Non-Bare Pavement

Not all roads or parking lots require the bare pavement standard. In non-bare pavement areas, such as low-traffic roads or parking lots, you can apply a simpler strategy that still ensures safety.

• Mechanical snow removal should be done regularly, particularly in low-traffic areas where ice can build up more quickly.
  
• De-icing comes next, applied as needed depending on weather conditions.
  

Some businesses prefer their parking lots or sidewalks to be treated as bare pavement, but this depends on the customer’s preference and local municipality requirements.

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Ice Melt Application Patterns

When using ice melt products, you’ll want to apply the right amount to ensure sidewalks, parking lots, and other surfaces are safe for pedestrians and vehicular traffic. You need to know when to use a thin layer vs. a heavier application.

Granular Ice Melt

For granular ice melt, the general rule is: less is more. Overuse can cause harm to your concrete, vegetation, and even the environment. It's all about using the right amount in the right spots.

• Application rates should be around 1/4 to 1/2 lb. per square yard for mild winter conditions.
  
• In heavier snow or freezing temperatures, 1 lb. per square yard might be necessary.
  

The key is to apply it evenly, focusing on high-traffic areas like sidewalks and parking lots, rather than over-saturating the entire area.

Liquid Deicers

Liquid deicers are excellent for pre-treatment before a storm, as they prevent ice from bonding to the surface. They’re also a great solution for small areas or to fill in gaps where granular ice melt isn’t working.

• Apply liquid brine at a rate of 30–50 gallons per acre for effective coverage.
  
• If you're dealing with severe weather conditions, such as heavy snowstorms, increase your application rate and follow the product's specific instructions.
  

How to Apply Ice Melt Effectively

1. Apply after snowfall: Apply ice melt after the snow begins to fall. This allows the granular product to effectively break down the ice and prevent it from bonding to surfaces, making removal easier.
   
2. Use the right tools: Use a spreader to distribute granular products evenly. For liquids, a sprayer will allow you to cover larger areas more quickly.  Make sure your equipment is calibrated correctly.  
   
3. Don’t overuse: Applying excess ice melt not only wastes money but can also damage concrete, kill plants, and cause corrosion. A thin layer is usually enough to melt ice effectively.
   
4. Regular maintenance: For non-bare pavement, mechanical snow removal is key. Once snow accumulates, plow regularly and follow up with de-icing to ensure safety throughout the day.
   

When to Apply Ice Melt

When to put down ice melt depends on the forecast. The best time to apply liquid deicers is just before the storm starts. However, this is often hard to predict, especially with changing weather patterns.

• Before a storm (liquid deicers): Perfect time to apply liquid deicers to keep snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.
  
• After a storm (granular products): Once snow and ice start to accumulate, apply granular ice melt products immediately to prevent them from freezing into hard-to-remove ice.
  

Keep an eye on weather reports for accurate predictions of winter storms and freezing temperatures, as they’ll help you gauge the quantity of ice melt that your property needs. 

Winter Preparation Starts Today

Now that you know how to apply and store ice melt effectively, it’s time to prepare for the upcoming winter. Whether you're managing a commercial property or a retail lot, proper planning goes a long way in maintaining safe sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways throughout the season.

With the uncertainty around supply chains, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Don’t wait until the first storm hits — get ahead of winter by stocking up on high-quality ice melt products from Ninja De-Icer today. With our reliable delivery and expert advice, you can ensure your property stays safe all winter. Winter isn't waiting, and you shouldn't either. Get a quote today to get started!