4 Truths About the Effects of Salt on Pavement

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

In Indiana, winters can get harsh. They can bring about a whirlwind of bad weather, heavy snow, and constant precipitation. We use several strategies to protect ourselves from the hazards that come along with the ice and snow, including winterized tires, snow chains, slip-resistant footwear, and of course, salt. Salting pavements eliminates frozen ice and snow, delivering a drier, safer surface for us to walk and drive upon. But have you ever thought about the effects of salt on asphalt and concrete? This may be something that is important to you if you are a property owner.

Protecting your pavements, whether they be in the form of parking lots, sidewalks, or driveways, is an important part of protecting your overall, end-dame investment. There are several false assumptions about the effects of salt on pavement, so it is important to get your facts from a reliable source. Continue reading to learn the top 4 truths about salt on pavement, and clear up any misconceptions you might have.

4 Facts About Salting Asphalt and Concrete:

Salt DOES Negatively Impact the Environment

Although salt is an effective method for protecting us against winter accidents, like slip and falls, car accidents, and pedestrian accidents, it is true that it can be harmful to the environment. Water run-off can transport salt directly into our waterways, which can impact plants and animals negatively; and it can also enter our water systems. There have actually been studies conducted that showed higher levels of salinity in local drinking water. But this doesn’t mean you have to stop using it! By shoveling snow first, and then using deicers sparingly, you can reduce the impact it might have the on the surrounding environment.

Salt DOES Damage Concrete Over Time

Deicers are important tools for providing surface safety in the winter, but if you are using large amounts over a long period of time, it will cause concrete to deteriorate. There are 3 reasons why salt is harmful to concrete pavement: First, salt is acidic, and acid can break down the bonds within concrete. This causes crumbling, cracks, and more. Second, concrete pavement freezes faster than other pavements, which often leads to using more deicer. And third, concrete bridges and overpasses are generally constructed with steel; and overtime, steel corrodes from salt.

Salt DOES NOT Negatively Impact Asphalt Pavements

So long as asphalt pavements are installed by a skilled and reputable paving company that uses proper methods and materials, there is no threat of deterioration as a result of salting. Asphalt is not affected by deicers because of the way it is engineered. Hot-mix asphalt is contains customized proportions of aggregates like stone, sand, and petroleum, which enables it to withstand the regional environment it was mixed for.

Salt is Not to Blame for Pot Holes

It is a common misconception that deicers cause pot holes; but this is simply untrue, especially for asphalt pavements. However, it asphalt is already in a state of advanced corrosion, salt can create additional damage. Pot holes occurs when water enters the ground beneath pavement. Freeze thaw cycles causes the pavement to expand and contract, which eventually weakens its overall structural integrity. Add in regular wear and tear, and you will eventually have yourself a pot hole.

Indianapolis Pavement Repair

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

Asphalt & Concrete Service 317-549-1833

If you require prompt and professional Indianapolis pavement repair, call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 today. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed pavers, retain decades of experience providing a wide range of pavement installation and repair services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties across Central Indiana. Request an estimate by calling 317-549-1833 and speaking with a friendly office attendant, today.

The Top-Most Recommended Concrete De-Icer

Concrete Repair Indianapolis Indiana

Concrete Repair 317-549-1833

When it comes to choosing a concrete deicing product, most people look for melting power. So it is no surprise that calcium chloride pellets are the top-most recommended material to use for winter pavement management. This substance is so powerful, it can still melt ice and snow in temperatures below freezing; in fact, up to negative 40 degrees Fahrenheit! But as for concrete deicers, there is more to consider aside from melting power.

You must also think about your surrounding environment, the condition of your pavement, seasonal temperatures, and even the corrosive agents in the deicing product you choose to apply to your concrete pavements. Although calcium chloride offers incredible melting power, it may not be a suitable choice for everyone. Continue reading to learn more about calcium chloride deicers and winter concrete care.

Benefits of Calcium Chloride Deicer

As a hygroscopic compound, calcium chloride absorbs moisture. When applied to snow and ice, it begins to immediately dissolve and absorb all the moisture on the pavement. As it dissolves, the calcium chloride uses an exothermic process that generates heat up to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This is why the results are so sudden.

Calcium chloride is better than sodium chloride, or “rock salt”, in terms of environmental care and protection. It is less harmful to the surrounding plant life and soil in the case of water run-off. It is also less corrosive, so it is a suitable deicing solution for older pavement.

Disadvantages to Consider

Although calcium chloride is a powerful deicing agent, it comes with a few drawbacks that you should be aware of before applying it to your pavement. First, it melts quickly, so it leaves behind a moderate amount of slush. This slush can re-freeze, or turn into a hazardous in terms of pedestrian slip and falls, as well as, driving accidents. For personal safety and liability, it is best to sweep the slush to the side after application.

Secondly, it is a bit more expensive to deice with calcium chloride. A 50 pound bag sets you back about $18 on average, depending on the retailer. For moderately cold temperatures and conditions, it is recommended to mix calcium chloride with a standard market deicer for a more economical version.

Indianapolis Concrete Repair

Commercial Lot Repair 317-549-1833

Commercial Lot Repair 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional Indianapolis concrete repair and sealcoating you can trust. Owner Lindsey Lewis employs a team of highly-trained and experienced pavers who are licensed, bonded, and insured to perform. We offer a wide range of pavement repair services for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. Call 314-549-1833 for professional concrete repair in Indianapolis and its surrounding areas.