Posted on 8th December 2025
When winter arrives, preparation is everything. Having a reliable supply of rock salt on hand is more than just a safety measure - it's a smart way to protect your property, reduce risk, and maintain daily routines without disruption.
Whether you're a homeowner, school caretaker or facilities manager, adding rock salt to your winter prep checklist can save time, money and hassle. Here are seven practical winter maintenance tips to help you make the most of your de-icing salt this season.
Frozen driveways and access lanes are not just inconvenient, they’re dangerous. One of the most effective uses for rock salt is to pre-salt these areas before a frost hits. This prevents ice from bonding to the surface and makes it easier to clear any snow that follows.
Tip: For long or sloped driveways, consider ordering bulk rock salt to ensure you have enough for regular application.
Pavements and footpaths are high-risk areas for slips and falls during icy spells. Apply rock salt in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are lowest to provide grip underfoot and reduce the chance of re-freezing overnight.
Use a white rock salt for areas near entrances and high foot traffic zones to keep things cleaner and more professional in appearance.
Steps, ramps and entryways quickly become slick in winter. Rock salt helps maintain safe access to your home or building, especially for elderly visitors, staff or customers. Keep a 20kg bag near the main door and apply regularly during frosty periods.
Pre-salting these areas overnight ensures they’re safe to walk on in the morning.
For businesses, schools and public buildings, car parks and service yards must remain accessible even in bad weather. Rock salt helps prevent vehicles from skidding and reduces the build-up of compacted snow and ice.
If you're managing a larger surface area, a pallet of bagged rock salt or a bulk bag is the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Rock salt isn’t just for spreading. You can also use it to keep grit bins functional, especially those exposed to the elements. Place a layer of salt beneath and around your bin to stop it freezing to the ground or the lid becoming stuck shut.
Make sure the contents of the bin are dry and regularly topped up throughout the winter.
Bins left out on frosty ground can freeze in place or become difficult to move. Spread a light layer of rock salt underneath your wheelie bins to prevent them from sticking to icy surfaces. It also helps collection teams access your property safely.
This simple step can prevent delays or missed collections, particularly in rural or sloped areas.
If you rely on outdoor storage for heating oil, tools or supplies, maintaining access to these areas is vital during winter. Apply rock salt along the path to your tank, shed or store so you can continue to use it safely even in sub-zero conditions.
This is especially important for rural homes or businesses with longer paths across gravel, grass or concrete.
How often should I apply rock salt?
Apply before frost is forecast, ideally in the evening. Reapply after heavy use or when rain or melting snow has diluted its effectiveness.
What type of rock salt is best for winter maintenance?
White rock salt is cleaner and ideal for entrances, footpaths and domestic use. Brown rock salt is more cost-effective and perfect for larger areas like roads or car parks.
How much rock salt should I use?
Apply around 20-40g per square metre depending on conditions. Heavier ice may require up to 70g per m². See our full guide on how much rock salt to use for more.
Winter doesn’t have to catch you off guard. With the right amount of high-quality de-icing salt, you can take care of key maintenance tasks quickly and effectively, keeping your property safe and fully functional throughout the season.
At Stone & Surfaces Direct, we supply both white and brown rock salt in a range of sizes, from handy 20kg bags to large bulk bags delivered directly to your kerbside.
Explore our full range of winter rock salt today, or get in touch for advice on the best bag size and quantity for your site.
© Stone & Surfaces Direct Ltd
Website created by hush.digital
