Not Sure Whether to Use Rock Salt or Ice Melt?

This guide compares the two, explains how each works, and helps you decide which option is best for driveways, parking lots, and roadways this winter.

Winter brings slippery driveways, sidewalks, and roadways, making de-icing products essential. Rock salt and ice melt are the two most common options, but they are not the same. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right product for your property or business this season.

Rock Salt Explained:

Rock salt, often called road salt, is made of sodium chloride. It is the traditional choice for de-icing and is widely used by municipalities and contractors.

• Works well in temperatures down to about -7°C to -9°C (FYI only - after this it’s much less effective and stops working completely around -18).

• Cost-effective for treating large areas

• Easy to spread and store

• Best for parking lots, driveways, and roadways

Ice Melt Explained:

Ice melt is a blend of salts or chemicals such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. It is designed for colder climates where standard rock salt may not perform as well.

• Works at much lower temperatures, sometimes down to -25°C

• Acts faster than traditional road salt

• Safer on some surfaces and landscaping compared to sodium chloride

• Available in different formulations depending on your needs

Which One Should You Choose?

• Rock Salt: Ideal if you are managing large spaces and want a cost-efficient solution.

• Ice Melt: Better suited for colder temperatures, smaller areas, or where surface and plant protection is important.

• Combination Use: Many property managers use rock salt for regular applications and keep ice melt on hand for extremely cold conditions.

Where to Find Supply:

Draglam Salt provides both rock salt and ice melt products in bulk, giving you reliable supply when winter weather hits. Whether you need traditional road salt or specialty deicing products, having inventory on hand ensures you are prepared.