The weather in the UK is very unpredictable and you could never be prepared for the quick drop in temperatures.

Known also as “grit”, the rock salt is commonly used across the country to treat various surfaces such as pavements, roads, and public places. That is done to prevent the forming of frost on the surface on all of these surfaces.

Here are some of the many ideas that you can keep in mind when using rock salt, especially during winter and harsh weather conditions.

As a grit sweating company, we offer road gritting in Aberdeen so we have experience in preventing the issues caused by icy conditions.

How much rock salt do you need?

It depends on the temperature and the location. For sharp bends and steep hills, the amount of rock salt should be bigger than that used for flat or straight roads. It’s highly recommended to use at least 10—15 grams for a square meter.

If the weather conditions are more severe or if there is rain before the freezing temperatures, then the amount should be increased between 20 to 40. Here are some examples of the amount of rock salt that you should use:

• For an area that is 500 square meters, you would need 5000 to 7500 grams.

• For a grit bin that is 200 litre and can hold approximately 250kg rock salt, you will need to cover the area at least 50 times.

• For a football pitch that is 7,140 square meters (or in acres 1.76), you will need from 71 400 to 107 100 grams.

• For a grit bin that is 400 litre and can hold approximately 500kg rock salt, you will have to cover the are minimum 7 times.

The rock salt that we provide can be found in 25kg bags for easy handling and in the winter there are around 40 required applications.

Why choose rock salt?

Rock salt is very helpful and effective because of its lower freezing points that are over the water. If you spread it onto a surface such as a path, road or driveway, the pedestrians and vehicles can walk over it and that way the crystals of the rock salt are crushed.

This is how the reaction between the salt and the water molecules is produced and that prevents the ice from developing.

The rock salt has a limit and its minimal effect works on temperatures below -5 degrees. It will have no effect whatsoever on degrees about -10  or higher. There are a few types — white pure salt and brown grit salt.

 Both of them are very beneficial. The brown rock salt is spread easier and it is a more dry form of the grit. It has a lower carbon footprint and it is cheaper than the white salt.

The white rock salt is cleaner and it doesn’t leave any dirty stains or residues. It is more aesthetically pleasing and that’s why it is also used to clean entrances of buildings, driveways, residential paths, and shopping centres.

When is the best time to spread the rock salt?

The best time to spread rock salt is before the freezing temperatures. Usually, that kind of temperatures are forecast and you can easily prepare before there is any rain or snow from freezing.

It’s a good idea to spread salt before it rains or snows because that way it will keep the surfaces safe.

If you want to get detailed information about the current and most accurate weather forecasting then feel free to visit the Met Office website.