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Winter Traction Solutions: What & When to Use It, and What to Expect

When winter hits, slippery surfaces become a safety concern for homeowners, businesses, and property managers alike. The right traction and de-icing products can help prevent accidents, protect your concrete, and keep walkways, driveways, and job sites safe and accessible. Below, we break down the most effective winter traction solutions, including the products we carry—along with their pros and cons—so you can choose the best option for your needs.

❄️ Understanding Winter Traction & De-Icing ❄️

Winter traction products fall into two broad categories:

1. Traction Agents

These improve grip on icy surfaces. 

Examples: sand, grit blends.
Best for: extremely cold temperatures where salt becomes ineffective.

2. De-Icers

These melt ice and snow to restore bare pavement

Examples: sodium chloride, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride.
Best for: temperature-specific conditions depending on formulation.

Most properties use a combination of both to balance traction, melt time, and surface protection.

Our Winter Traction Products: Pros & Cons

1. De-Icing Salt (Sodium Chloride)

Effective to: -10°C
Available in: 10kg & 20kg bags

A premium mine-sourced salt that melts ice quickly in moderate winter temperatures. Clean, dry, and economical—ideal for everyday use.

Pros

  • Cost-effective and widely used
  • Easy to spread
  • Reliable melting power for typical winter weather
  • Readily available in convenient bag sizes

Cons

  • Less effective below -10°C
  • Will contribute to surface scaling on certain concrete types
  • More corrosive than magnesium/calcium chloride blends
Best For: Driveways, parking lots, sidewalks during moderate cold.

2. Dry Sand & Salt Mix

Available in: 20kg bags
A balanced blend of pre-dried sand for traction and salt for controlled melting. Great when you need
grip and melt performance.

Pros
  • Provides immediate traction
  • Works even when temperatures drop below salt’s melting point
  • Reduces slips on walkways, yards, and entrances
 Cons
  • Sand leaves residue and requires cleanup
  • Limited melting ability at extreme cold
  • Can track indoors
Best For:
Entrances, sloped driveways, high-traffic pedestrian areas.

3. Calcium Chloride

 Effective to: -40°C
A high-performance, fast-acting de-icer ideal for extreme cold. It generates heat on contact with ice,
making it one of the most efficient products available.
 
Pros
  • Works in the coldest temperatures
  • Fastest melting action of all de-icers
  • Leaves no residue, marks, or odours
  • Requires less product per application
 Cons
  • Higher cost than rock salt
  • Can be overpowered if over-applied (slippery if excessive)
Best For:
Commercial properties, extreme cold snaps, or anywhere quick action is needed.
 

4. Blue Econo De-Icer (Rock Salt + Magnesium Chloride Blend)

Effective to: -30°C
Available in: 5kg shaker jugs & 18kg bags
A value-driven blend with corrosion inhibitors designed to be gentler on concrete. The blue dye makes
it easy to see where you’ve spread it, reducing waste.
 
Pros
  • Less corrosive to concrete
  • More effective than standard salt in lower temperatures
  • Easy-to-see blue colour for precise application
  • Cost-effective alternative to premium ice melters
Cons
  • Still contains some rock salt, so not completely corrosion-free
  • Colour may temporarily tint slush during melt
Best For:
Homeowners, light commercial use, and anyone wanting effective melt at a budget-friendly price.

Choosing the Right Winter Traction Solution

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

For everyday driveway & sidewalk maintenance:
➡️ De-Icing Salt or Blue Econo De-Icer

For very cold temperatures below -20°C:
➡️ Calcium Chloride

For improved grip on icy, high-traffic surfaces:
➡️ Dry Sand & Salt Mix

For protecting concrete surfaces:
➡️ Blue Econo De-Icer (reduced corrosion)
➡️ Calcium Chloride (clean and residue-free)

Concrete & Surface Care Tips

No traction product is completely harmless to concrete—however, proper use helps prevent damage:

  • Apply only as much de-icer as needed
  • Avoid using de-icers on newly poured concrete (less than 12 months old)
  • Sweep up leftover sand mix to prevent buildup
  • Store products in a dry place to maintain performance

Final Thoughts

The best winter traction strategy often involves a combination of products depending on weather, surface type, and budget. Whether you need high-performance melting power, simple traction, or a balanced blend, our winter traction solutions deliver safety and reliability all season long. 

If you’d like help selecting the right product for your property or stocking up for the season, we’re always happy to help!