Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous food seasonings, and salting is an important method of food preservation. Salts are also used in many industrial processes and are a major component of roadside deicing.
Asphalt pavement is a common sight in many neighborhoods across the United States. They are durable and require little maintenance, making them a popular choice for homeowners. However, one thing that can damage an asphalt surface is salt.
Different Types of Salt for Asphalt Driveways
Salt can damage an asphalt driveway, but some types of salt are safe to use. The most common is rock salt, which is often used to melt ice in the winter. However, rock salt damages asphalt. It is important to use a type of salt safe for asphalt driveways.
Solar salt and potassium chloride are two types of salt safe for asphalt driveways. If you use salt on your driveway, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and sweep up any salt left on the driveway’s surface.
Solar Salt
Solar salt is a type of sea salt that evaporates from seawater using the sun’s power. It is then harvested and used for various purposes, including de-icing driveways. Solar salt is safe for asphalt driveways because it does not contain the same impurities as rock salt.
Potassium chloride
Potassium chloride is often used as a de-icer on roads and highways. It is also used in some ice melt product that is safe for concrete and asphalt. Potassium chloride is a safe alternative to rock salt for de-icing an asphalt driveway.
How Does Salt Damage Asphalt Driveways
Salt can cause two types of damage to an asphalt driveway.
- Physical damage – Salt can erode the driveway’s surface, causing it to become pitted and cracked.
- Chemical damage – Salt can react with the asphalt, causing it to deteriorate and crumble.
Salt can damage asphalt driveways in several ways. First, salt dissolves in water and can seep into cracks in the driveway, causing the asphalt to deteriorate from the inside out.
Second, when the saltwater mixture freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the cracks, causing them to widen. Third, the salt itself can act as an abrasive, wearing away at the driveway’s surface.
Prevent Salt Damage To Asphalt Driveways
Asphalt driveway damage from salt may be avoided by the following:
- Seal coating the driveway with a high-quality sealant to help protect it from the elements.
- Use a plastic shovel or snow blower to remove snow from the driveway rather than a metal one that can scratch the surface.
- Avoid using salt on the driveway if possible; if you must use it, use it sparingly.
- Sweep up any salt that falls on the driveway immediately to prevent it from seeping into the cracks.
- Repair any cracks in the driveway as soon as possible to prevent them from getting worse.
- If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, it is best to have your driveway professionally sealed every two to three years to help protect it from the elements.
Alternative De-icing Products for Asphalt Driveways
Several alternative deicing products are safe for asphalt driveways. One option is to use sand or kitty litter on the driveway, which will provide traction without causing damage. Another option is to use a mixture of one part salt and eight parts water, which will melt ice without harming the driveway. Finally, you can also use calcium chloride, a salt safe for use on asphalt driveways.
Special Precautions De-icing Asphalt Driveways
Some special considerations exist when using salt or alternative deicing products on asphalt driveways.
- Avoid using too much salt or deicer, as this can also cause damage.
- Be sure to sweep up any excess salt or deicing product after use to prevent it from seeping into the cracks and causing damage.
- If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, it is best to have your driveway professionally sealed every two to three years to help protect it from the elements.
Repairing Salt Damage on Asphalt Driveway: DIY or Hire a Professional
There are several ways to repair salt damage to your asphalt driveway. If the damage is minor, you can repair it with a sealant. However, if the damage is more severe, you need to hire a professional to fix it.
A-Rock Asphalt is a locally owned and operated business serving the Salt Lake City area for over 25 years. We are dedicated to providing quality asphalt paving services to our customers, and we specialize in driveway repair and sealcoating. We are also experts in salt damage repair, and we can help you restore your driveway to its original condition. Contact A-Rock Asphalt today to schedule a free consultation.