How to Store Salt for Snow: The Steel Structure Salt Barn Is the Solution

Snow removal salt is key to keeping roads safe during the cold winter. Nevertheless, ensuring efficient salt usage during each snowy season necessitates proper storage. Improper storage can lead to salt absorbing moisture and clumping together, which reduces snow removal effectiveness and may damage storage facilities.

Steel structure salt barns are now a preferred option in many areas because of their durability and resistance to corrosion. We will introduce how to effectively store snow removal salt through steel structure salt barns to ensure that the salt is dry and used efficiently, thereby improving the efficiency and safety of winter road clearing work.

The Importance of Proper Salt Storage

Chemical Properties of Deicing Salt

Deicing salt, primarily made of sodium chloride, is highly hygroscopic, causing it to dampen and clump together during storage. When salt absorbs moisture, its fluidity and effectiveness are greatly reduced, and it may even cause equipment failure. Salt is corrosive to metal and concrete, and prolonged contact can damage storage facilities and cause failures.

Problems with Traditional Salt Storage Methods

Wooden Structures

• Although wood is more common, it is easily damaged when storing deicing salt because it easily absorbs water and rots. This decay decreases the salt’s quality and can lead to structural failure, reducing the lifespan of the storage facility.

Concrete Buildings

• The contact of salt with moisture can cause cracking on the concrete surface, and moisture can penetrate into the structure, causing the salt quality to deteriorate, which in turn affects the effectiveness of use. In addition, the maintenance cost of concrete structures is high and may require frequent maintenance and repair.

Open Storage

• Storing salt in the open allows it to absorb moisture from the air, resulting in clumping and inefficient use of space. Open storage without proper protection can lead to environmental pollution, as salt particles can be carried by the wind into nearby soil and water, causing ecological issues.

According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Transportation, improperly stored salt may result in more than 30% loss due to salt moisture absorption, agglomeration and corrosion damage, which brings significant economic pressure to both the public sector and private enterprises. Choosing the right salt storage facility – steel salt barn, is the key to solving this problem.

The Superior Solution: Steel Salt Barns

To manage the hygroscopicity and corrosiveness of salt, the steel salt barn uses advanced designs and technologies to keep the salt safe and dry during storage.

Moisture Protection System

• Seamless Roof Panels: Steel salt barns have seamless roof panels that eliminate leaks, unlike traditional roofing materials, ensuring complete water protection. This keeps your salt dry and shielded from weather elements, even in heavy rain or snow conditions.
• Elevated Floor Design: Ground moisture is a major enemy of salt storage. Steel salt barns have elevated floors that prevent moisture from reaching the salt, keeping it dry and easy to use.

Corrosion Resistance

• Galvalume Steel (G550 AZ150): Salt is highly corrosive, but steel salt barns are built to last. These structures, made from Galvalume steel (G550 AZ150), are highly durable and resistant to salt corrosion, making them ideal for harsh environments.
• Salt Spray Test Certification: Don’t just take our word for it. Our steel salt barns undergo rigorous salt spray testing to certify their resistance to corrosion. We offer data that showcases the material’s durability, assuring you that your investment is safe and protected.

Smart Storage Features

• Modular Design: Every snow removal operation is different, and so are their salt storage needs. Our steel salt barns feature a modular design that allows for scalable solutions, accommodating storage capacities ranging from 20 to 10,000 tons. Whether you are a small municipality or a large-scale contractor, we have a tailored solution to meet your specific needs.
• Automated Loading/Unloading: Time is money, especially during winter storms. Our steel salt barns can have built-in interfaces for automated loading and unloading, improving material handling and efficiency.

Cost-Effectiveness

• 30-Year Life Cycle Cost Analysis: A steel salt barn may require a higher initial investment than traditional storage methods, but it offers significant long-term savings. Our 30-year life cycle cost analysis compares the total cost of ownership for steel salt barns to traditional methods, highlighting the significant savings in reduced salt waste, lower maintenance costs, and extended lifespan.
• Insurance Premium Reduction: Safety is paramount, and steel salt barns deliver. Their robust construction and superior protection can lead to reduced insurance premiums. We present case studies of businesses that reduced their insurance costs significantly thanks to the enhanced safety and risk management offered by steel salt barns.

Planning and Designing Your Salt Barn

When designing your salt storage facility, consider not just capacity but also future demand, moisture control, and efficient logistics. Below, we will explore these key design elements in detail.

Assessing Storage Needs:

• Determine Storage Capacity: The first step is to calculate the appropriate storage capacity based on your anticipated salt usage. Consider the size of your service area, average snowfall, and how often you apply salt. It’s always better to err on the side of slightly larger capacity to accommodate unexpected weather events or future growth.
• Plan for Future Growth: Don’t just think about your current needs. Consider potential increases in demand due to business expansion, population growth, or changes in weather patterns. A modular steel salt barn enables easy future expansion, saving you time and money.

Ventilation and Moisture Control:

• Prioritize Air Circulation: Proper air circulation is essential to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to salt clumping and reduced effectiveness. Design your salt barn with proper ventilation, including ridge vents, louvers, or exhaust fans, to ensure good airflow and optimal humidity levels.
• Control Moisture at the Source: In addition to ventilation, consider incorporating moisture barriers in the floor and walls to prevent ground moisture from seeping into the storage area. A well-designed ventilation and moisture control system will keep your salt dry, free-flowing, and ready for use.

Accessibility and Logistics:

• Facilitate Efficient Loading and Unloading: Time is of the essence during snow removal operations. Design your salt barn with wide entrances and efficient traffic flow for quick and easy loading and unloading. Consider the size and turning radius of your trucks and equipment to ensure smooth maneuverability.
• Ensure Safety and Accessibility: Adequate space around the salt barn is crucial for safe operation. Provide ample room for trucks to approach, turn, and exit without obstruction. Clearly designated traffic lanes and loading zones will further boost safety and operational efficiency.

Considering these factors during planning and design will help you create a steel salt barn that meets your needs, improves snow removal operations, and offers lasting value. 

Consulting experienced professionals can help you navigate the design process and ensure your salt barn is built to high standards.

Our Specifications and Certifications of Salt Storage Barn

We ensure our steel salt barns meet and exceed industry standards by incorporating specialized features and value-added services for the best salt storage solution.

Structural Standards

AISC Certification: Our steel salt barns meet the strict standards of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). This certification guarantees that your salt barn is built with the highest quality materials and workmanship, ensuring structural integrity and lasting performance.

ASCE 7-22 Compliance: Our salt barns meet ASCE 7-22 standards, ensuring they can withstand wind and snow loads to protect your salt supply in severe weather.

Specialized Features

Salt Resistant Ventilation System: Proper ventilation is essential to maintaining optimal salt quality. Our salt barns feature a state-of-the-art ventilation system to ensure optimal airflow and humidity control. This system prevents salt from clumping and degradation, keeping the salt dry and ready for use.

Integrated Grounding System: Safety is our top priority. Our salt barns have a built-in grounding system to prevent static buildup, reducing the risk of fire or explosion and ensuring a safe work environment.

Value Added Services

Leak-Proof Pallets: Environmental responsibility is paramount. We offer optional leak-proof pallets that provide an extra layer of protection against salt spills and leaks, protecting the environment and avoiding costly clean-ups.

Choosing a SteelPRO PEB steel salt barn means investing in both a storage solution and peace of mind.

The Benefits of Choosing a Salt Barn for Your Business

Choose a steel salt barn from SteelPRO PEB delivers tangible benefits for your snow removal operations:

Maximize Salt Efficiency

• Keep salt dry, free-flowing, and effective for snow removal.
• Minimize waste caused by clumping, contamination, and runoff.

Reduce Costs

• Lower maintenance costs with durable, corrosion-resistant materials.
• Enjoy long-term savings with a structure built to last decades.
• Enhanced safety and effective risk mitigation measures may lead to potential reductions in insurance premiums.

Protect Your Investment

• Protect your salt supply from damage, theft, and exposure to adverse environmental conditions.
• Gain peace of mind knowing your salt is secure and ready for use.

Enhance Operational Efficiency

• Streamline workflow with easy access, organized storage, and efficient loading/unloading.
• Act swiftly during winter storms by implementing rapid salt deployment.

Demonstrate Environmental Responsibility

• Prevent salt runoff and contamination, protecting local ecosystems.
• Adhere to environmental regulations to ensure compliance and steer clear of fines.

By choosing a steel salt barn, you’re investing in efficiency, cost savings, and sustainability. Contact us today to learn more!