Winter consistently poses problems that need extra measures and deicing to keep roadways and walkways safe is no exception. Being in charge of city streets or simply trying to keep a driveway walkway safe, knowing the proper method for deicing really matters. The proper deicing chemicals can make all the difference while deicing roads.
Prioritize Early Action
As far as municipalities and the average homeowner are concerned, it is important to be proactive. Putting deicing products down before a storm hits can help keep ice from bonding and make the ice easier to remove. Not only does it improve safety but it can reduce the amount of product that gets used, which can be cost-effective and have less environmental implications.
Choose the Right Deicing Chemicals
Not all deicing products are created equal. Municipalities should be looking for a deicing product that is not only efficient in various temperatures but also weighs the environmental implications. Homeowners should also be leery of products they are using and avoid putting down anything too close to plants, pets and water sources.
There are multiple deicing chemicals from ICL Industrial Products that meet both criteria and help protect road safety with a limited impact on the environment.
Safe Application Techniques
It is not just about the product but how it is being put down. Be it a municipality or a homeowner, spreading products down in an even manner could be important. Additives work well for municipalities with the necessary equipment over large areas. Homeowners would want a hand spreader to keep it down without overapplying. The problem with overapplying is that it does not make the driveway or walkway any safer and simply puts more product into the environment, causing further problems.
Monitor and Adjust
Winter weather can change rapidly during storms. Seeing how the deicing product is working and whether it needs a refresher is important. If temperatures happen to drop or additional precipitation falls, it may need a refresher to keep safety a priority. And, starting over and removing snow before reapplying is also recommended. For municipalities, having other tools to monitor and track winter weather data can also help give real-time information to help make decisions and promote safety. Homeowners should also stay up to date.
The Role of Eco-Friendly Options
Many municipalities and even the general homeowner have made an effort to use more eco-friendly products. Deicing products have the potential to contaminate water and harm the plants and wildlife in the surrounding ecosystem. However, eco-friendly deicing products from ICL are designed to be gentler on the environment while still being able to control ice.
Safety First, Always
Winter road safety is a team sport. Municipalities can take preventative measures, choose the right de-icing agent, and apply it in the correct way, just as individual homeowners can. Winter might be unpredictable, but your safety plan doesn’t have to be. Prioritize planning and order early, stay updated, and choose solutions that are safe for people and the planet.
Whether you’re in charge of a city’s roads or just your own driveway, you can make sure everyone makes it out safely this winter.
