Importance of Ground and Pavement Temperatures When It Comes to De-icing

Each winter season, communities across the country face the challenge of keeping roads and sidewalks safe and clear of snow and ice. De-icing is an essential part of snow removal and ice management, but its effectiveness depends on many factors, including ground and pavement temperatures. In fact, when our team consults with customers, we always ask just how cold it gets in their area before suggesting a specific product from our website.

Understanding the impact of these temperatures on de-icing effectiveness can help organizations and businesses responsible for winter maintenance improve safety, reduce costs, minimize the impact of winter weather on transportation, and choose the right de-icing products.

What Is Ground Temperature in De-icing

Ground temperature refers to the temperature of the ground beneath the surface. In the context of de-icing, ground temperature is a critical factor because it affects the effectiveness of de-icing materials and methods. De-icing materials work by lowering the freezing point of water, but their effectiveness is limited when the ground temperature is below a certain threshold.

In colder temperatures, certain de-icing materials may become less effective, and ice may form on surfaces, leading to hazardous conditions. It should be noted that there are de-icing options designed specifically for use in freezing conditions, and you can find them on the Ninja De-Icer website!

What Is Pavement Temperature in De-icing

Pavement temperature refers to the temperature of the pavement surface. Like ground and average air temperature, pavement temperature is a critical factor in de-icing operations. Pavement temperature affects the formation of ice on the pavement surface and the duration of the de-icing effect. If pavement temperature is not considered in de-icing operations, the wrong de-icing product could be applied or the de-icing materials may be applied at the wrong rate, leading to inefficient and ineffective melting; not to mention wasting time and money.

The Importance of Ground Temperature in De-icing

Ground temperature can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of de-icing operations. When the ground temperature is too cold, de-icing materials may not work as well, and ice may form on surfaces. Ground temperature can be influenced by various factors, including sun exposure, wind, precipitation, soil type, and the urban heat island effect. To ensure effective de-icing operations, it's essential to consider these factors when developing your de-icing strategies. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team at Ninja De-Icer to help guide you!

The Importance of Pavement Temperature in De-icing

Pavement temperature is also a critical factor in de-icing operations. When the pavement temperature is too cold, de-icing materials may not work as well, and ice may form on surfaces. Pavement temperature can be influenced by air temperature, solar radiation, wind, and precipitation. Understanding these factors and how they impact pavement temperature is crucial for creating effective de-icing strategies.

Factors That Can Impact Ground and Pavement Temperatures

The temperature of the ground and pavement can be impacted by several factors, including:

• Sun exposure: The amount of sunlight that the ground or pavement receives can impact temperature. Areas that receive more sunlight may have warmer ground and pavement temperatures.
• Wind: Wind can cause heat loss, which can lower ground and pavement temperatures. Wind chill can also lower the effective temperature, leading to colder conditions.
• Precipitation: Precipitation can lower ground and pavement temperatures, especially if it is snow or ice. Ice can form on surfaces when the temperature is below freezing, further lowering surface temperature.
• Soil type: Different soil types can have different thermal properties that affect ground temperature. For instance, sandy soils have low thermal mass and heat up quickly, while clay soils have higher thermal mass and heat up slower.
• Urban heat island effect: Urban areas may have warmer ground and pavement temperatures due to the heat generated by buildings and vehicles. This effect can cause temperature differences of up to 10°F between urban and rural areas.

How Ground and Pavement Temperature Can Influence De-icing Product Selection

Ground and pavement temperature can impact the effectiveness of de-icing products. For example, rock salt is a common de-icing product, but its effectiveness is limited in colder temperatures. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride are more effective at lower temperatures and can be used to prewet pavement surfaces, preventing the formation of ice and snow. High-performance liquid de-icers that have a calcium or magnesium-based additive will be more effective in lower temperatures and are excellent options for use in colder regions. When selecting de-icing products, it's essential to consider ground and pavement temperature to ensure their effectiveness.

How Ground and Pavement Temperature Can Be Used in De-icing Strategies

Once you understand the impact of ground and pavement temperatures on de-icing effectiveness and how to select the right de-icing products, the next step is to incorporate this information into your overall de-icing strategy. There are several methods that consider ground and pavement temperatures:

1. Anti-icing Techniques: Anti-icing is the process of applying liquid de-icing products before a storm hits. By applying liquid products before the storm, you can prevent the formation of ice on the pavement, making it easier to remove any snow that does accumulate. Anti-icing is most effective when the ground and pavement temperatures are below freezing.
2. Prewetting De-icers: Prewetting de-icers is the process of adding a liquid de-icer to solid de-icers such as applying magnesium chloride to rock salt. Prewetting can help reduce the bounce and scatter of the de-icing product and improve its effectiveness.
3. Temperature-Based Application Rates: Another strategy is to adjust the application rate of de-icing products based on the ground and pavement temperatures. When the temperatures are colder, more de-icing material may be needed to achieve the desired result. Adjusting the amount of product used based on the ground temperature can help reduce costs and minimize the amount of de-icing materials that need to be used.

Ready to get started?

Make sure you have a salt team that can deliver

Get a Quote

Which De-icing Products To Use Depending on Ground and Pavement Temperatures

There are several types of de-icing products available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. When selecting de-icing products, consider the following:

1. Calcium Chloride: Calcium chloride is one of the most effective de-icers on the market. It can work at very low temperatures, making it ideal for extreme winter weather. However, it can be expensive and can damage concrete and vegetation.
2. Rock Salt: Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is the most commonly used de-icer. It's affordable and readily available. However, it can be less effective at colder temperatures and can damage concrete and vegetation.
3. Magnesium Chloride: Magnesium chloride is another effective de-icer that works well at low temperatures. It's less damaging to concrete and vegetation than calcium chloride, but it can be more expensive than rock salt.
4. Liquid De-icers: High-performance liquid de-icers are a newer type of de-icer that are designed to be effective at low temperatures. They can be more expensive upfront than traditional de-icers, but they also can be more effective, resulting in reduced application rates and lower overall costs.

Tips for Using Ground and Pavement Temperature in De-icing Operations

To make the most of ground and pavement temperature data in your de-icing operations, consider the following tips:

1. Monitor Temperatures: To effectively use ground and pavement temperature data in your de-icing operations, you need to know what the current temperatures are. Consider investing in temperature sensors or other monitoring equipment that can help you get real-time data on ground temperatures.
2. Stay Up-to-Date: Keep yourself informed of the latest research and best practices for ground and pavement temperature in de-icing. There are many resources available online, such as trade journals, industry publications, and research studies.
3. Be Flexible: Ground and pavement temperatures can change rapidly, especially during a storm. It's important to be flexible and adapt your de-icing strategy as needed to ensure the best possible results.

Final Thoughts on the Connection Between Ground and Pavement Temperatures and De-icing

It is critical to consider ground and pavement temperatures when developing de-icing strategies. Ground temperature can affect the effectiveness of de-icing materials and methods, while pavement temperature affects the formation of ice on the pavement surface and the duration of the de-icing effect.

By selecting appropriate de-icing products based on ground and pavement temperatures, using temperature-based application rates, and considering anti-icing techniques, prewetting de-icers, and other strategies, it is possible to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of your business and municipal de-icing operations.

At Ninja De-Icer, we offer a range of high-quality de-icing products designed to meet the needs of any organization responsible for winter maintenance. Get a quote today to learn more about our products and how our team can help you manage snow and ice this season and for seasons to come.