From Storm Chaos to Calm Driveways: Lessons from Last Winter’s Record Snowfall
Last winter was one for the books. Even regions used to milder conditions, like the GTA, faced an unusual level of snowfall and freezing temperatures. Over just eight days, we experienced three significant snowstorms, leaving roads buried, driveways slick, and cleanup crews stretched to their limits. In cities like Toronto, snow piles lingered for weeks, and residents were reminded of just how disruptive an unpredictable winter can be.
At Resalt, we took this as an opportunity to learn, test, and adapt. Our team spent much of last season conducting field trials in varying real-world conditions—from light flurries to heavy, compacted snow and stubborn ice layers. These tests revealed valuable insights that can help homeowners better prepare for the upcoming season.
What Last Winter Taught Us
1. Timing Is Everything
One of the biggest takeaways from our tests was the importance of pre-treatment. Applying a deicer before a storm or during early snowfall prevents ice from bonding tightly to surfaces, making cleanup faster and easier afterward. Think of it as setting up a protective layer that weakens the bond between ice and your driveway.
2. Overuse of Salt Doesn’t Mean More Safety
Many homeowners believe that more salt equals faster melting. In reality, excessive use of road salt damages concrete, kills vegetation, and contributes to long-term environmental harm. Our tests showed that a controlled, even layer of an eco-friendly solution like Resalt achieved better results with far less product.
3. The Temperature Factor
Traditional salt loses effectiveness as temperatures drop below -10°C. During last winter’s cold snaps, we saw firsthand how natural additives like beetroot extract and molasses helped maintain melting efficiency even in sub-zero conditions—while reducing the environmental toll.
4. Driveway Materials Matter
Concrete, asphalt, pavers—each surface reacts differently to winter conditions. Our trials confirmed that Resalt performed well across all three without leaving stains or causing surface degradation, unlike many traditional salts that leave behind white residue or pitting.
Tips for a Safer, Smarter Winter Ahead
✅ Pre-treat before storms: Apply a small amount when snow is forecasted. Prevention always works better than cure.
✅ Shovel early and often: Removing fresh snow before it compacts makes every deicer more effective.
✅ Store your deicer smartly: Keep your product sealed and dry for best performance.
✅ Stay consistent: Small, timely applications throughout winter are more effective (and eco-friendly) than heavy use after major buildup.
Looking Ahead
As winter approaches, we’re continuing to refine our formula to balance performance, safety, and sustainability. One key lesson from last season is clear—eco-friendly products work beautifully, but their cost often keeps them out of reach for everyday homeowners. At Resalt, we’re working hard to make environmentally responsible solutions pocket-friendly, without compromising on performance.
Stay tuned for updates on our next round of testing, and here’s to a winter that’s cleaner, safer, and a little easier for everyone.