Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Apply Rock Salt To Pavers

With the upcoming winter arriving shortly, homeowners in Westchester County are preparing to stock up on rock salt and de-icers. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware of the damage that rock salt can cause to interlocking pavers. You shouldn’t apply rocksalt to pavers because rock salt is corrosive and wears away stone over time. Northern Construction team is here to inform you about the damage rock salt can cause to your stone patios and walkways. If you’re interested in having a paver patio installed click here to read about the different types of stonework we provide for clients.

Flaking-

Flaking occurs when salt damages masonry surfaces causing them to scale and flake.

Corrosion-

Salt crystals left on a concrete surface will slowly dissolve the surface leaving a pockmark. If there is an interlocking paver patio or walkway on your property salt will cause damage because pavers are pressed concrete products.

Color Bleaching-

Rock salt and certain de-icers will cause discoloration on surfaces. As a result, the surfaces may look like they were bleached. This is a notorious occurrence when salt is left to sit on natural stone products such as bluestone. This bleaching effect can result in small discolored spots or even discolor an entire stone.

What De-Icers are Safe?

Here are some great alternatives to consider to keep your pavers safe.

Calcium Chloride-

One of the benefits of calcium chloride is it has a freezing temperature of -25°, which makes it an excellent choice for those looking to melt ice quickly. It works exceptionally well for people who live in freezing climates during the winter.

Magnesium Chloride –

Magnesium chlorides freezing temperature is of -13°, which makes it one of the better alternatives to handle ice in the coldest temperatures. Because it releases 40% less chloride into the environment, it is known to be environmentally safe for plants and animals. It’s great for homeowners with pets and it also leaves very minimal residue and doesn’t track as easily as rock salt.