Looking for Road Salt in Ottawa?

Road salt is a type of salt that is used to melt ice and snow on roads and sidewalks during the winter. Its primary function is to prevent accidents caused by slippery conditions. The two most common types of road salt are sodium chloride and calcium chloride, both of which are effective at reducing the freezing point of water, causing ice and snow to melt more quickly.

Road salt is primarily made of two components: sodium and chloride. It often comes in the form of halite, also known as rock salt, which is naturally occurring and mined from the earth. Some road salts may also contain additional elements or compounds, such as magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, or even beet juice, which can enhance their de-icing properties.

Road salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, a process known as freezing point depression. When road salt, typically composed of either calcium chloride or sodium chloride, is spread on a roadway, it breaks down into its individual ions in the presence of snow or freezing rain. These ions disrupt the ability of the water molecules to form solid ice crystals, causing the ice to melt into liquid or to stay as a liquid, even if the temperature is below water’s normal freezing point of 0°C (32°F). As a result, the ice on the roads is prevented or reduced, providing safer driving conditions. Salting roads is standard practice, and many consider it an effective method for preventing weather-related collisions. Bulk road salt is effective to -9C, and it covers most conditions with ease.

Yes, road salt is bad for dogs. It can irritate their paws and, if ingested, can be harmful. It is important to wash and dry your dog’s paws after they have been walking on salted roads.

Road salt primarily comes from underground salt mines found all over the world. This type of salt is the result of the evaporation of ancient seas and oceans that left massive salt deposits underground. Miners extract the salt, which then undergoes a crushing process to create smaller, coarse pieces suitable for road use. Another source is sea salt derived directly from seawater through an evaporation process. These salts help to melt ice and provide traction on the roads during cold winter months.