Salt vs. sand: Which is better for ice? (2024)

FAQs

Salt vs. sand: Which is better for ice? ›

Though using sand for snow and ice might be helpful at times, salt is a significantly more effective and efficient solution. The difference between salt and sand is that salt melts ice while using sand to melt ice simply doesn't work, it just makes surfaces less slippery.

Whereas rock salt melts ice, sand does not. Sand, because it is an abrasive material, is applied to icy roads to provide traction. It can capably create traction on ice at any temperature, whereas rock salt is not effective in extreme cold. But sand is only effective if it is on the surface of the ice.

Observations and results

You should have seen that the ice cube with salt sprinkled on it melted faster than any of the other cubes. This is because the amount by which the freezing point is lowered depends on the number of molecules dissolved, but not their chemical nature.

Applying salt to roads helps lower the freezing point of the surface to allow snow or ice to melt easier.

Rock Salt. Rock salt breaks up ice and prevents it from sticking to the pavement. It is widely available, effective, and inexpensive compared to other de-icing/anti-icing materials.

Calcium chloride is a less-harsh alternative to salt, and actually works better when temperatures are low (between 0 degrees and 30 degrees Fahrenheit).

While it does not melt the ice, sand is an abrasive material that increases traction between ice and tires or shoes. Snowplows often spread a mixture of salt and sand when working to deice a road, since the salt will melt ice and the sand will increase the traction for cars.

Salt will always melt ice quicker than both of them. This is because in the same amount or volume, there are more molecules of salt than sugar or baking soda due to the chemical make-up. Salt, baking soda, and sugar will all act to lower the freezing point of the ice, making it melt quicker than the untouched ice cube.

Sand does not help melt ice. Unlike salt, it does not dissolve in the water and interfere with the way ice forms. Instead, dirt and sand is usually placed on roads to give cars and trucks a little bit more traction while driving over it.

Winter's slippery conditions aren't improved solely by melting the ice and snow. Application of sand can improve traction and even slows refreezing of ice. Sand will also eventually enter streams and waterways as it washes off during periods of snowmelt and rain, so sand should also be applied only as needed.

Why doesn't Michigan use sand? ›

It all has to do with cost, messiness and questionable effectiveness. Kent Barnard is a MnDOT spokesperson who knows a lot about clearing the roads.

Sand is only effective on ice; it gets buried under snow. Sand can collect in your drains after the ice melts or make your driveway or sidewalk messy. Even though sand is a great alternative to rock salt, it can potentially clog drainage systems.

Luckily there are several non-damaging deicing alternatives out there. Cat litter: Using kitty litter is a great way to provide traction and prevent slipping on icy driveways and sidewalks, however, kitty litter will not help to melt the ice.

If it's your front wheels, remove your foot from the accelerator and let the vehicle slow down. If you continue to slide, press on the brakes gently to help bring your vehicle to a stop. If it's your back wheels, slowly turn your wheel in the direction of the slide while removing your foot from the accelerator.

Traction Sand is a versatile product for a number of year-round applications. Use in the winter on driveways, decks and sidewalks to prevent slipping on ice or as play sand for a child's sandbox in the summer.

Sand is a good alternative to salt when you cannot risk using an abrasive substance that could potentially damage plants or your concrete surfaces. It is important to recognize, however, that sand is specifically used to increase traction and not to melt ice.

Sand does not help melt ice. Unlike salt, it does not dissolve in the water and interfere with the way ice forms. Instead, dirt and sand is usually placed on roads to give cars and trucks a little bit more traction while driving over it. Imagine there is a small patch of ice on the ground, and you need to walk over it.

The first thing to consider about sand and abrasives is that they have no ice melting capacity. They will not function as either deicers or anti-icers in the conventional sense. That is, they are not going to actually remove snow or ice from the road.

To cover up ice and provide some traction, apply sand directly on top of ice packed areas. Remember that once it gets grounded into the ice, it will become less effective and you may need to apply more.