Today we are going to be taking a look at how to protect your home using Rock Salt. With temperatures already at freezing point, there are a number of ways we can prepare for cold weather, and today we are going to take a look at different precautions to take in order to protect ourselves and our homes.

Must-Do’s;

• Keep a supply of Rock Salt handy
• Keep a Shovel nearby to assist in clearing pathways
• Never use boiling water to melt snow and ice – this can turn into dangerous black ice
• Pay particular attention to de-icing steps, decking and slopes
• Ensure you have a good sweeping brush to hand to brush away large quantities of water to prevent it freezing and forming patches of dangerous ice

Snow and ice can cause a multitude of problems around your home and garden, so it is worthwhile taking the time and effort to put procedures in place to ensure you don’t get problems later on. Be sure to take note of our hints and tips to protect your home against snow and ice, keeping yourself and your family safe this Winter.

Gutters & Downpipes

Anywhere that water isn’t able to flow freely can be a problem in colder weather, as still water ends up freezing which can cause blockages. Make sure that you check that all of your gutters are flowing well, and keep checking every couple of weeks for fallen leaves and other debris. One product which will help to ensure gutters and downpipes are kept clear are Porcupine Gutter Brushes, these sit neatly in gutters and let water flow through without other debris getting stuck, or the build-up of ice.

It is also important to bare in mind that any bathroom pipes which run outside your home can also become blocked with ice. Check for any sections that look flat, or where water or ice may get stuck. If you don’t want to change the pipes, then insulate the flat section to prevent it from freezing, as otherwise this could cause internal problems.

Patios & Driveways

Before the weather turns too bad, ensure you get your patio, decking and driveway cleaned now, as wet and algae can be a bad combination and ice can make it worse. Options include, using an anti-algae cleaner, such as the Ronseal Decking Cleaner & Reviver, and a pressure hose to safely clean those areas so that even when the weather is wet or damp, you will still be able to walk on them. It is also worth investing in a supply of de-icing salt or rock salt, and even keep some inside if possible. If you’re expecting frost, then simply sprinkle a little over pathways, steps and driveways the night before to stop them from freezing, and if you forget, or the ice is unexpected, then you still have some inside to use in the morning.

Rock Salt

Rock Salt is perfect for keeping pathways, steps, and driveways clear from ice and by spreading Rock Salt you can quickly diminish the chance of accidents occurring in the areas surrounding your home. If you have a large area to cover, then a Rock Salt Spreader is ideal for use on footpaths, small car parks and school grounds. They have a fair-sized capacity and a handle bar mounted adjustable flow control to help you achieve a wide spreading throw, and with their pneumatic wheels, it makes for easy use over rough ground and icy surfaces.

Rock Salt is an effective way to thaw ice, and can be used in areas where ice might occur in the garden and build up. By sprinkling Rock Salt over these areas, it will melt the top layer of the ice so that it can easily be chipped away and removed. Businesses and schools will also hugely benefit from using Rock Salt, as it can help to make entrances both accessible and danger-free for its users. Rock Salt usage is an essential way of keeping mobility going during the winter, and by taking care of your premises, you are also taking care of customers, friends, neighbours and family, especially vulnerable adults and children.

So, how does it work? Rock Salt works by lowering the melting/freezing point of water and is often formed when sea water evaporates. It is a natural mineral and so it will never go out of date or lose its ability to function, which makes it easy to store for as long as you need to. To avoid lumpy rock salt, be sure to store it indoors, or in a Rock Salt Bin, which can keep the product safe and away from children. Unlike some de-icing liquids, Rock Salt won’t leak or damage furniture or other products stored nearby.

Buying Rock Salt is reasonably priced compared to other de-icing products and it can be bought in bulk bags or in smaller bags, allowing you to cater to your personal needs. It is often worthwhile, and cheaper, to buy Rock Salt in bulk bags, in the event of running out during particularly bad weather. You could even share the cost of a bulk bag with a neighbour – sharing’s caring! When Rock Salt is sprinkled onto the ground it produces a natural grip under foot compared to other de-icing products which can cause the ground to be slippery and unsafe. Once applied, it begins to reduce the temperature of the ice so that it melts rapidly, making steps, pavements and driveways much safer for all.