It may not feel it, but in official terms, this year it is still autumn until 20th December 2013. With autumn we associate colourful woodlands and crisp mornings some days and this year has certainly been somewhat mild although we did also see one or two thunder storms along the way. This is the nature of autumn as the polar air moves southwards in chase of the sun.
Yet forecasters have been predicting a bitterly cold winter this year and these cold spells seem to appear earlier and earlier in the year. It’s not even mid-November and the newspapers are already warning us with headlines such as “Britian braces for ‘Polar plunge as cold winter freeze takes hold’ [Express.co.uk 13/11/2013] and “Winter blast to hit the UK blown in from the Arctic: Forecasters warn of icy blast as tranquil autumn finally gives way to freezing cold weather [Mail Online 14/11/2013]. It’s no doubt preparations are under way across the UK and rock salt suppliers are no exception.
So why is salt so important? In simplistic terms salt melts ice by lowering the freezing point of the water. Ice normally forms when water hits 0° Celsius, however the addition of salt will reduce this to -6°C if using a 10% salt solution, and -16°C if using a 20% salt solution. This results in existing ice melting, thus leaving the ground safer underfoot.
We are all aware that untreated roads and pathways are a hazard. The risk of accidents, slips trips and falls is ever present in icy conditions. Local councils may be ready with thousands of tonnes of grit to help keep our transport network open, however, they won’t cover your back yard or private drive. This is where consumer rock salt suppliers can help and with a little preparation, you can help minimise these risks around your property by adding salt to your pathways.
Therefore, make sure you’re prepared for the chill this winter by contacting Stones4Homes today. As rock salt suppliers to a wide range of customers, we offer various salt weight options. From just 250kg perhaps for the homeowner looking merely to keep their paths clear, to 10kg (1.1ton) or more for those requiring bulk to help keep driveways and car parks clear.
Here at Stones4Homes we not only stock winter essentials, but also additional garden accessories such as decorative stones and bark chippings. Contact us today to see how we can help you.
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