Salt Science: Myths, Facts & What to Do for Your Commercial Property
- Nathalie Lagden
- Sep 22
- 4 min read
When winter weather hits, keeping your property snow and slip-free is non-negotiable.
But there’s a lot of misunderstanding about how road salt and ice melt actually work and these myths can cost commercial property owners in liability claims, property damage, and wasted budget.
In this post, we’ll separate myth from fact, share what science tells us about salt use, and explain how you can keep your property safe, compliant, and sustainable this winter.
Myth #1: More Salt Means More Safety
The truth: It may provide a satisfying ‘crunch’ but applying more salt than necessary doesn’t make ice melt faster or more effectively. Salt works by lowering the freezing point of water, but once a certain amount is applied, adding more has no benefit. It only increases cost and the impact on the environment.
Excess salt can damage concrete, asphalt, and pavers, kill grass and plants in spring and wash into waterways, harming aquatic life. What’s more, your tenants hate salt staining their boots, rusting their car and damaging their clothes.
What to do: Work with a professional snow and ice management contractor who uses calibrated equipment, diverse solutions and science-backed, weather-based application standards to deliver exactly the right amount for specific conditions.
Myth #2: Salt Works in All Temperatures
The truth: Common rock salt (sodium chloride) is only effective down to about -9°C (15°F). Below that, it stops working efficiently, leaving dangerous icy patches even if the surface looks “treated.”
What to do: Use temperature-appropriate products. At Strathmore, we evaluate weather conditions in real time and select from a range of deicers — including calcium chloride and magnesium chloride — to ensure effectiveness in extreme cold.
Myth #3: Any Ice Melt is Fine for Your Property
The truth: Not all deicers are created equal. Some cause rapid concrete deterioration, especially if your surfaces are less than a year old. Others are toxic to pets and can corrode metal infrastructure.
What to do: A site-specific product plan is critical. Our crews consider surface age, traffic type, and environmental factors to choose products that balance safety, longevity, and compliance.
Myth #4: Salt Damage is Unavoidable
The truth: With the right application strategy, you can significantly reduce surface damage, plant death, and environmental harm without compromising safety (or your tenants’ clothing).
What to do: Precision application, snow pre-treatment, and timely plowing all reduce the amount of salt needed while maintaining slip-free conditions.
Myth #5: There’s Such a Thing as “LEED-Certified Salt”
The truth: No deicing salt on the market today carries a LEED certification — it simply doesn’t exist, as LEED does not certify individual products; it certifies whole buildings, neighborhoods, communities, and cities for their environmental performance.
However, how you manage snow and ice does play a role in LEED credits for site sustainability, water management, and environmental impact reduction. Over-application of chlorides can damage vegetation, increase runoff pollution, and erode hardscapes, all of which count against sustainability goals. While products like salt can't be LEED-certified, their use can contribute to earning points for a project to achieve LEED certification, particularly through the Materials and Resources credit category if they meet specific performance standards.
What to do: At Strathmore, we help property owners integrate science-backed salt strategies into their broader sustainability plans. By reducing overuse, incorporating brine and alternative deicers, and protecting landscaping, we can support your efforts to achieve or maintain LEED certification for your building, without compromising winter safety.
Quick Facts About Salt Use in Canada
Over 7 million tonnes of road salt are used in Canada annually (Environment and Climate Change Canada).
Chloride levels in many urban waterways exceed safe limits for aquatic life.
Over-salting can increase annual concrete repair costs by 20–40% for commercial properties.
Slip-and-fall claims remain one of the top liability risks for property owners during winter.
The EcoFiscal Commission has estimated the economic and environmental damage of winter salt to Canada at $4.8 billion per year.
How Strathmore Protects Your Property
Whether you are in Toronto, Ottawa or across Canada, Strathmore is more than just a snow removal company. We’re your full-service winter safety partner.
Here’s how our Salt Smart approach works:
Zero-Tolerance Snow and Ice Management – We don’t wait for hazards to appear. Our crews conduct 4 a.m. site visits to inspect conditions before the morning rush, ensuring your property is safe before tenants, staff, and customers arrive.
Precision Salt Application – Calibrated spreaders and trained crews eliminate waste and overuse.
Environmentally Conscious Products – Safer for pets, plants, and infrastructure. We work with you to help meet your environmental goals.
24/7 Monitoring – Real-time weather tracking keeps your property ahead of the storm.
Compliance Assurance – Stay ahead of municipal and environmental regulations.
Be Salt Smart This Winter
Winter safety isn’t about dumping more salt, it’s about using it smarter. By understanding the science, avoiding common myths, and partnering with a professional winter maintenance team, like Strathmore, you can protect your tenants, the environment, your property, and your budget.
Strathmore’s Salt Smart program gives you peace of mind all winter long, with full-service snow removal, targeted deicing, and 24/7 monitoring.