Gunther Answers: Why is Salt Considered the Best Ice Melt?
Winter and bulk rock salt go hand in hand. Since the 1930s, salt has been the go-to solution for keeping roads, sidewalks, and parking lots safe. Today, that reliance is stronger than ever, with nearly 20 million metric tons used on U.S. roadways every year.
As one of the Midwest’s leading suppliers of the best ice melt products, Gunther Salt Company has helped organizations stay safe through decades of winter seasons. Read on for our breakdown of why salt remains the most trusted ice melt.
The Science Behind Salt
The science behind salt is relatively simple. When the weather drops below 32 °F, water molecules slow down until “locking” into a crystalline structure called ice. The only way to break it apart again is by lowering the freezing point of water.
Products like Gunther Salt’s Ice Control Salt dissolve into water to create a brine solution. In this brine, sodium and chloride ions move quickly to disrupt the bonding of water molecules, preventing ice formation. Ultimately, the brine solution has a lower freezing point than water alone.
The Benefits of Bulk Rock Salt
Salt has been widely considered the best ice melt product for decades. Countless businesses buy bulk rock salt for winter because of its five key benefits:
Cost effectiveness. Salt is less expensive than specialty ice melt products — especially when ordered through a local supplier. For example, Gunther Salt Company fulfills cost-effective orders of rock salt in full truckloads, 25# bags, or 50# bags.
Proven performance. Salt has stood the test of time because it’s reliable, predictable, and fast-acting. For decades, Gunther’s Ice Control Salt has helped businesses, government entities, and beyond endure storms safely.
Accessibility. Salt is widely available to purchase via hardware stores and local suppliers. Notably, Gunther Salt delivers salt directly to businesses in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.
Convenience. Salt products are easy to apply without speciality tools or training. Many products, including our Ice Control Salt, feature an anti-caking agent that ensures an even application.
Versatility. Salt remains effective on most asphalt surfaces, including driveways, walkways, parking lots, and municipal roads.
The Catch
Sodium chloride products, such as Gunther Salt’s Ice Control Salt, are effective in temperatures as low as -5° F. However, they work best when applied before a storm. Rock salt needs a thin layer of water to dissolve and form brine. As such, early application gives it time to activate before temperatures drop further.
If forecasts call for extreme temperatures, you may want to consider ice melt products with a different chemical composition. For example, calcium chloride is one of the best ice melt products for temperatures reaching -30° F. This is due to the fact that it breaks down into three ions instead of two, helping it disrupt bonds faster.
Before purchasing bulk rock salt, we recommend doing your research. Explore the predicted temperatures for your area this winter — and, when in doubt, contact a trusted supplier for advice.
Select the Best Ice Melt Product
Gunther Salt Company is the leading salt supplier in the Midwest. For decades, we’ve proudly served businesses, hospitals, school districts, military bases, municipalities, and other institutions across the region. Now, we’re ready to help you select the best ice melt products.
Don't wait to secure your ideal ice melt. Call Gunther Salt today at 314-241-7075 or 800-873-7258 to speak with our team of experts.
Ready to order? Email us now at sales@gunthersalt.com or orders@gunthersalt.com — ensure your safety this winter with Gunther Salt.
