The Advantages of Spraying Brine
Accurate Application: Unlike rock salt, which can bounce or be displaced by traffic, liquid brine stays in place, ensuring a more targeted application.
Environmentally Friendly: Since 75% of liquid brine is water, it’s gentler on gardens, grass, and the environment. Compared to traditional rock salt, it reduces runoff that can harm plants or pollute nearby waterways.
Cost Savings: Because less salt is needed, the use of liquid brine can significantly reduce costs—some reports indicate up to 64% savings in de-icing expenditures.
More Effective: Liquid brine works at much lower temperatures than rock salt—down to -42 °C, while rock salt is typically ineffective below -12 °C.
Larger Pre-treatment Window: Liquid brine solutions can be applied 24 to 48 hours before a snowstorm and starts working immediately, unlike rock salt, which requires moisture to begin working.
Brine to the Rescue: Before, During, and After the Storm
Before: Liquid brine can be applied up to 48 hours before a winter storm is expected. It helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, making it easier for plows to clear roads.
During: During extended weather events or heavy precipitation, liquid brine works wonders in preventing ice from forming, especially when rain turns to sleet or freezing rain. It adheres to icy surfaces immediately, preventing further ice buildup.
After: Once plows have cleared the bulk of the snow, liquid brine is still essential. In frigid temperatures, residual snow and ice can quickly turn into a slippery glaze. Liquid de-icing helps to mitigate this, ensuring safer roads.
Ice Ain’t Nice
Traditional rock salt and sand remain crucial tools for many winter weather scenarios. However, liquid de-icing has proven itself to be a high-performance alternative. While liquid solutions have a steeper learning curve—requiring careful mixtures and a more complex delivery system—the long-term cost savings and effectiveness make them an attractive option.