In the first part of this two part blog entry, we highlighted how road salts cause corrosion to architecture and buildings. However, the level of corrosion caused by road salts is not only determined by the ingredients and distribution of particles, but also by the materials used in the construction of the architecture and buildings.

Aluminium is considered a highly corrosive resistant material; mainly because of the protective oxide film used in its construction. Road salts, which contain chlorides, can easily penetrate this protective film and cause corrosion. The only way to prevent corrosion, apart from ensuring that only a product such as Dust Stop Liquid Concentrate is used for dust control and de-icing, is to regularly clean the surface and remove salt deposits. Aluminium corrosion is identified by a white or greyish dust forming on the surface of the metal.

Although not the most significant contributor to the corrosion of zinc building materials, salts do increase the rate of effect. However, it should be noted that in areas where road salts are used, zinc shows a marked increase in the rate of corrosion, and especially in sections of buildings where rain fall is unable to provide a natural run-off to wash away corrosive compounds.

Untreated carbon weathering steel shows high levels of corrosion, when exposed to road salt build up and residue. As long as the use of road salts continues, these materials require the application of expensive and labour intensive maintenance using protective paints. Again, it becomes apparent that the most cost effective solution to the problem of corrosion is to use a safer, environmentally friendly and non-corrosive product, such as Dust Stop Liquid Concentrate.

Some stainless steel types, although non-corrosive even when submerged in salt water, are still affected by road salts. The reason for this is that, unlike sea water, road salts can build up around certain stainless steel applications. Studies have shown, time and time again, that road salts can affect any application that is subject to corrosion. Dust Stop Liquid Concentrate has the potential to completely eliminate this problem, while also saving homeowners and businesses in the long run, and so, offsetting the initially higher cost of the product.