fbpx
Blog / Articles

Can Rock Salt Damage an Asphalt Driveway?

0 comments
rock salt on asphalt driveway

The winter season is about to come, and most of us have already started preparing for it. Be it the festivals, holidays, or the snow; the wait is almost over. 

Now, if you’re one of those who have the responsibility for taking care of the snow deposited around your house and driveway, you must have started looking for a safe pet ice melter. But here’s something you should know, we don’t need an ice melt that is safe for just the pets or children; we need the one that is safe for your asphalt driveway as well.

You might be using rock salt for your driveway, thinking that it won’t harm it in any way, but the fact is, it does. 

Does Deicing Salt Damage Asphalt?

So, how to protect your asphalt from salt damage? Well, deicing salt, often in the form of rock salt (sodium chloride), is commonly used to combat icy conditions. However, it can have adverse effects on asphalt surfaces, including driveways and pavements. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Asphalt Damage: Deicing salt on asphalt can infiltrate the porous surface of asphalt. As it melts ice and snow, it creates a brine that seeps into the asphalt, causing freeze-thaw cycles. These cycles lead to cracks and, over time, can deteriorate the surface.
  • Surface Discoloration: Salt on asphalt can leave behind unsightly white stains on your asphalt driveway. This is not only an aesthetic concern but can also indicate potential damage.
  • Corrosion: Salt is corrosive, which can lead to the erosion of the asphalt binder and aggregate in your driveway. Salt on asphalt driveway weakens the asphalt’s structure.

Safe Ice Melt For Concrete Driveways

How Does Rock Salt Harm the Asphalt Driveway?

Rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, can damage unsealed asphalt. This is because rock salt accelerated the normal deterioration because of the freeze/thaw cycle in the winter season. This, in turn, shortens the lifespan of the asphalt.

If your asphalt driveway is appropriately maintained, rock salt might not damage it a lot, but it can damage it severely if it isn’t maintained. So, if you have to use rock salt, you will need to start the maintenance process from summer only. Proper maintenance includes repair of cracks, adding a seal coating, and fixing any water penetrations. 

Environmentally And Pet Friendly Ice Melt

Safe Paw Ice Melt - Eco Safe Ice Melt

Safe Paw

The Original and the #1 Pet and Child Safe Ice Melt for over 20 years. Guaranteed environmentally safe – will not harm waterways and sensitive wetlands.

How to Protect Your Asphalt From Salt Damage?

Protecting your asphalt driveway from salt damage is essential to ensure its longevity and appearance. Consider the following preventive measures:

  • Choose the Right Deicer: Opt for alternative deicers like calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) or potassium acetate, which are less harmful to asphalt. These options are more environmentally friendly as well.
  • Apply Sparingly: Use deicing salt sparingly. Apply just enough to melt the ice, and avoid excessive usage.
  • Sweep Regularly: Remove excess salt and slush promptly with a broom. This reduces the time salt has to penetrate the asphalt.
  • Sealcoat Your Asphalt: Applying a sealcoat to your asphalt driveway creates a protective barrier that can help mitigate the effects of salt.
  • Professional Snow Removal: Consider hiring a professional snow removal service that specializes in safe ice and snow management techniques.

Alternatives to Rock Salt

So now that you know that rock salt is dangerous for your asphalt driveway, don’t you think you should use an alternative? Here are the top alternatives to rock salt.

  • Plastic Shovels: Plastic shovels are one of the oldest yet effective ways of removing snow from the driveways and other areas. However, this requires a lot of manual work and time. Also, if you prefer using shovels, make sure you use a plastic shovel instead of a metal shovel. This is because metal shovels can scrap the driveway surface.
  • Heating Systems :This is the only method that doesn’t require any kind of manual work. All you need to do is install a heating system beneath your driveway. However, it’s not for everyone as it requires you to install a brand new driveway, and that’s very expensive. So the majority of the people refrain from doing it.
  • Ice Melts: Rock salt is an ice melt, but not all the ice melts available in the market contain rock salt. There are several kinds of ice melts that are safe for your pets, family, environment, and asphalt driveway. Using an ice melt needs a little bit of manual work but isn’t expensive at all. Safe Paw is an ice melt that is 100% safe, easy to use, and affordable. To use it, all you need to do is spread it across your driveway even before the winter season, and it won’t let the snow get deposited there. 

Get ready for winter with the ONLY Pet Safe Ice Melt you can trust

To Conclude-

Rock salt might be the cheapest solution to get rid of the snow but isn’t a good ice melter for wood decks and even asphalt driveways. Use the other alternatives and keep your driveway safe during the winters. 

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

FAQs

A. Rock salt, or sodium chloride, is a common choice for deicing. While it is effective, it can damage asphalt driveways if used excessively or improperly. Rock salt has the same potential impacts as other deicing salts, including asphalt erosion and surface discoloration.

A. If you want to minimize damage to your asphalt driveway, opt for salt alternatives such as Safe Paw or sand or kitty litter. These alternatives are less corrosive and gentler on asphalt surfaces.

A. The choice between asphalt and concrete for your driveway depends on various factors, including climate, maintenance preferences, and budget. Asphalt offers flexibility and is less prone to cracking in freeze-thaw cycles, making it a good choice for colder regions. Concrete, on the other hand, has a longer lifespan but may require more maintenance in icy conditions.

A. Yes, Safe Paw ice melt is safe for use on asphalt driveways. It is non-corrosive and designed to be gentle on surfaces.

A.  Asphalt repair kits can address minor damage, but significant salt-induced damage may require professional resurfacing or sealing.

Instant Traction In Icy Driveways

Other Ice Melt Products

Traction Magic

Stay safe on slippery surfaces with a product that’s 100% natural and safe for pets, people, and your property. Use Traction Magic on sidewalks, steps, or as instant traction for your car.

Traction Magic Road Salt Alternative

Safe Thaw

Imagine an ice melt you can put down and never worry about. It won’t harm pets, kids and your property. That’s Safe Thaw. Unlike anything else on the market, Safe Thaw can change how winter affects our planet.

Safe Thaw - Industrial Ice Melt
Safe Paw - Ice Melt In Bulk

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw


    Become A Safe Paw Distributor


      Buy Now