Sidewalk footprints in snow

Should you use rock salt on your sidewalk?

With winter weather; comes slippery sidewalks —a concern for every smart business owner. When icy conditions often lead to injuries, safety becomes essential. So, the question arises; Should I put rock salt on my sidewalks?

Commercial sidewalks are typically made from concrete or cement, unlike parking lots and driveways, which are often paved with asphalt. You can safely use rock salt on asphalt pavement, but the same is not true for concrete sidewalks or concrete walkways. Salt actively corrodes cement and concrete.

If salt can destroy concrete, why do they use it for sidewalks?

The most common reason most businesses choose concrete for sidewalk pavement is: Concrete dries quickly and is easily formed into curbs, corners, and ramps for ADA compliance. It is more expensive but requires less long-term maintenance. You can learn more about the pros and cons from our blog Concrete Sidewalk vs Asphalt Sidewalk

What Can I use to keep concrete sidewalks safe?

While sand doesn’t melt ice, it does provide more traction. Also, the presence of sand particles in the snow and water creates friction and can be a tool to help prevent future ice formation. So, although sand does not melt ice and can’t entirely prevent it from forming, it can significantly help traction and decrease slickness. Learn more about deicers and how they affect your paved surfaces.

While safety is always the priority, there are steps you can take to protect your investment in your paved surfaces. Look to EastCoat Pavement for information on repairing and caring for your parking lot to get the most life out of your pavement.

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