Gritting and de-icing: sand, salt and grit

Salt, sand or grit – when is which right?

The method determines how safe the surface becomes and how much needs to be cleaned up in spring.

• Road salt (sodium chloride): melts ice down to around minus seven degrees, good on asphalt and concrete paving, unsuitable near plants, on natural stone and on new concrete surfaces
• Stone chippings and grit (2–5 mm): work at all temperatures, give grip without melting, used on paths, steps, courtyards and pavements
• Sand: cheaper but packs down and blows away more easily, suits larger surfaces
• Salt and sand mix: used in fluctuating temperatures where the ice needs both to melt and to give grip

When is anti-slip treatment needed?

Straight after snow clearing, when a thaw is followed by cold, during freezing rain and when daytime sun melts the snow and it refreezes at night. On a winter contract we follow the weather forecasts and grit preventively the evening before a known cold snap, instead of coming after someone has slipped.

Which surfaces do we treat?

Driveways and garage entrances, paths and steps, entrances, courtyards, car parks, pavements along the property and loading zones. The priority is set in the contract: entrances, steps and the refuse lorry's route first, then larger surfaces.

Spring grit sweeping

Grit and sand spread during winter are swept up once the snow is gone, usually in March–April, so that paths and courtyards are clean and the grit does not end up in lawns and flower beds. Spring grit sweeping is included in our winter contracts and can also be booked separately.