Rain, freezing rain and sleet pose significant challenges to deicing, whether using granular or liquid methods. The unpredictability of the duration and transition of precipitation types, coupled with moisture levels and temperature fluctuations, necessitates a flexible and proactive approach from contractors to prevent ice formation on surfaces. Contrary to common perceptions, liquid brine solutions, particularly when enhanced with quality brine additives, are extremely effective in managing conditions brought on by freezing rain and sleet.

Timing is critical

One of the key aspects of successfully utilizing liquids during these challenging weather events is understanding the optimal timing for application. It is crucial for any liquid pre-treatment applied to the surface to dry before the onset of rain or sleet. The liquid treatment seeps into the pores and cracks, where they lie in wait to be reactivated by incoming precipitation. This method not only ensures effectiveness but also shields the treatment from being immediately washed away or diluted. If heavy rain is anticipated prior to icing, increase the normal pre-treatment application rate of 40-50 gallons per acre up to 60-80 gallons per acre to help combat dilution and maintain its effectiveness.

During extreme heavy rain or sleet, a secondary application might be necessary, particularly as the precipitation transitions to freezing rain or snow. This second application should be at post-treatment application rates, 80 to 100 gallons per acre, and timed around when the precipitation transitions. This application will help further prevent the surface from icing over and prevent bond with the pavement, making your mechanical removal more effective.

Additives in liquid applications

For rain events, contractors often resort to granular rock salt due to its slower conversion rate to salt brine, hoping that as the weather shifts from rain to snow, residual rock salt will act as a pretreatment. However, if the rain is prolonged or does not occur as predicted, the rock salt might be rendered ineffective or washed away. Similarly, liquid salt brine, without the incorporation of additives, can quickly become diluted and lose its effectiveness due to the additional moisture present during precipitation.

To counter the dilution effect of rain, integrating a high-quality additive into the salt brine is essential. These additives not only provide refreeze protection but also maintain their potency when mixed with water, thereby reinforcing the salt brine’s effectiveness. The application of liquid salt brine with an additive goes beyond surface treatment; it penetrates the substrate’s pores and cracks, ensuring that the chlorides are deeply embedded and less susceptible to dilution or washout.

Additional additive benefits

Premium brine additives deliver several other advantages, including corrosion inhibitors, further refreeze protection, tackifiers (to enhance bonding to pavement surfaces and retain treatment within the substrate’s pores and cracks), consistent blend quality, and effectiveness at lower addition rates. It is important to note that not all additives are equally effective.

When selecting additives, consider the ingredients and compare the costeffectiveness. A higher-priced, premium additive may actually be the most economical due to its efficiency and lower required addition rates. Premium additives typically contain a significant percentage of exothermic chlorides (such as calcium or magnesium chloride) and a high percentage of nonchloride active ingredients.

Another reliable indicator of a quality additive is its recommended "add" rates. An effective blend should not require an addition rate greater than 20%, meaning the finished blend should be no stronger than 80% salt brine to 20% additive.

Seasoned surfaces in deicing

An important aspect to consider is the concept of "seasoned" surfaces. Surfaces become seasoned when they have a build-up of chloride and other active ingredients in the substrate’s pores and cracks. This buildup significantly enhances the longevity and effectiveness of the liquid product against high-moisture and freezing conditions. Seasoned surfaces provide a more robust defense in the battle against slick conditions brought on by rain and freezing rain.

Seasoning is achieved through the methodical application of multiple liquid treatments using a quality brine blend. When applied before the onset of the winter season or the first anticipated precipitation event, it will set the stage for a winter season where surfaces are significantly more resistant to the challenges posed by freezing rain, sleet and snow. Five to six pre-treatment applications, allowing the surface to thoroughly dry between applications, should achieve a well-seasoned surface.

Alternatively, in areas experiencing frequent snow and ice events, seasoning can occur naturally over time where liquid products are regularly applied. This repeated treatment leads to a substantial buildup of both chloride and nonchloride ingredients, fortifying the surface against even the most severe rain or sleet conditions.

Summary

Though challenging, rain and sleet conditions can be effectively managed with appropriately timed applications of quality liquid deicing solutions.

It’s imperative for contractors to carefully review their choice of products and application rates. By opting for premium additives, contractors can ensure protection against dilution, reduce the risk of refreezing, enhance traction and friction, and secure longer-lasting effectiveness. Liquids, especially when applied before a storm, penetrate substrates deeply and offer a strategic advantage in deicing efforts.

Jump start solutions

1. Timing will impact application rates when applying liquids in a rain/freezing rain situation.
2. Additives provide refreeze protection, maintain potency when mixed with water, and penetrate pores and cracks, making them less susceptible to dilution or washout.
3. "Seasoned" surfaces enhance the longevity and effectiveness of liquids against high-moisture and freezing conditions.

Jordan Smith is the marketing manager for liquid deicing products at BOSS Snowplow and is the owner of Storm Equipment. Jordan is also a snow contractor based in Southern Minnesota and loves to talk all things snow with other contractors. Contact him at jordan.smith@bossplow.com.