Tips for Better Quality Car Park Gritting

During winter months, car park gritting is an essential service to prevent parking areas from ending up full of slippery ice. Anyone using the car park is in danger, so you need to be sure to grit the area to clear ice and snow. However, doing it correctly is just as important as doing it in the first place.

What Is Gritting?

Gritting is the process of spreading rock salt over an area that is likely to get a lot of snow and ice on it. The rock salt helps break down and melt the snow, which is then washed away. The end result is a space that is free of dangerous ice.



As the rock salt is pressed and ground into the snow, it turns into a saline solution, lowering the freezing point of water and snow and causing the ice to melt. What many people don’t realise though, is that salt attracts water if it isn’t ground into the surface, meaning it can actually cause more ice to form if you don’t use it correctly.

How to Grit Properly

To eliminate problems, you’ll want to follow these steps:

Step 1: Remove the Top Layer of Snow

This can be done with a shovel, snow blower, or brush. Removing the upper layer allows the grit to work directly on the packed surface.

Step 2: Spread Grit

The rock salt should be spread evenly over the areas where traffic is heaviest. This will help melt the ice in those particular areas. Be sure to add plenty of salt so it will have a chance to work. Pay particular attention to paths and steps, as these are extra dangerous.

You should aim to do all your car park gritting early in the morning so the cars and feet on the salt over the day will grind it down. You can also re-grit just before everyone leaves in the evening. This helps prevent freezing overnight. Once people have driven and walked on everything, you’ll find it easier to see exactly where to spread the grit.

Keep in mind that missing even one day can cause ice to form and this will put your guests and customers at risk once more. It’s important to continue gritting as long as there are freezing temperatures. The ongoing upkeep of the car park will ensure everyone stays safe.

Interested in more information on car park gritting and gritting in general? Contact GMC to learn more.