It’s no secret that frozen pathways and icy roads are a massive inconvenience during cold winter months. It makes walking and driving stressful, and in some cases, even risky. Municipalities, businesses, and homeowners alike have traditionally relied on rock salt to keep surfaces safe. But what if there were an efective and sustainable method, without all the inconvenience and surface damage that rock salt brings?

To avoid the corrosive and abrasive properties of rock salt, many residents are turning toward brine solutions for snow removal in Decatur. While proving better than salt granules, even liquid de-icer can be more detrimental than helpful if it’s not handled correctly. To avoid the same kind of damage that rock salt would cause and obtain the best results, it’s important to avoid some common salt brining slip-ups people make. Read on, and discover what professionals look out for. 

What are common brining mistakes?

For the most effective outcome, salt brine has to be applied on time, in the right dose, and with adequate gear. Applying it too soon may result in evaporating, too much dosage can cause more harm than good, and improper equipment and handling can result in uneven coverage, missed spots, and wasted material. While it’s certainly popular today for numerous reasons, liquid salt de-icers are best applied by professionals. Here’s why:

1. Wrong timing

If salt brine is applied too early, before the anticipated rain, it can be washed off the surfaces before it has a chance to act and prevent ice from forming. At the same time, applying it too late can make it ineffective, especially if a layer of ice has already formed on the surface. For this reason, professional de-icing services monitor weather conditions, plan treatments ahead, and set up de-icing plans based to the forecast, leaving no room for mistakes.

2. Excessive application

Knowing how much liquid salt needs to be applied can make the difference between effective treatment and surface degradation. Applying more might seem like a good way to speed up melting, but the truth is that excessive application can cause more harm than good, and result in risk of corrosion, damage to concrete, and harm to nearby vegetation. Experts carefully calculate the dose to avoid damage to surfaces.

3. Uneven surfaces

Treating uneven or irregular pavements, walkways, and roads requires extra attention to detail. If there are any cracks or gaps present, liquid may pool in some areas while leaving other areas untreated and at risk of ice formation. To avoid this, pros take a meticulous and precise approach, ensuring no spot is left untreated.

4. Inadequate equipment

Clogged nozzles, faulty sprayers, and improperly calibrated systems often result in inconsistent application. Without proper coverage, ice can still form in patches and create a slipping hazard. Professionals invest in high-grade equipment and regularly maintain it to ensure even, consistent coverage across the surfaces.

Who provides effective brine solutions for snow removal in Decatur, IL & nearby? 

If you’re looking for reliable experts to treat your surfaces with a liquid de-icer safely, you are in the right place! At Classy Grass, we specialize in a variety of lawn care services, including keeping driveways, pavements, and other surfaces free of ice when the temperatures plummet.

Our team comes equipped with top-grade equipment, premium solutions, and methods that actually work. To ensure timely, efficient, and safe treatment, our approach consists of monitoring weather conditions, personalizing our plans to fit your needs, and treating each surface with proper dosage. Whether you’re located close to the historic Transfer House or any other part of Decatur, trust us to keep your walkways safe throughout the winter. Reach out today!