Understanding Winter Precipitation Types and Effective Site Management with OUTCO

Winter precipitation — sleet, snow, and freezing rain — can create treacherous conditions for roads, car parks, and pathways, increasing the risk of accidents. To combat these challenges, having the right stock, equipment, plans, and support in place is essential.

Here, we’ll explore the types of winter precipitation, how they affect surfaces, and how OUTCO’s tailored solutions—including a range of salt supply options—can help keep your facilities safe and operational.

1. Snow: A beautiful sight but a potential hazard. Snow compacts underfoot and vehicle tires, turning into ice if not treated quickly. Regular clearing followed by salting are key to preventing slick surfaces.
2. Sleet: These ice pellets can accumulate on untreated surfaces, creating a slippery layer that makes movement hazardous.
3. Freezing Rain: Rain that freezes upon contact with cold surfaces forms an almost invisible layer of black ice. Although quite rare, it is very difficult to deal with and creates one of the most dangerous winter conditions, requiring proactive treatments to prevent formation.
4. Frost: Frost forms when water vapor freezes directly onto cold surfaces, creating a delicate layer of ice crystals. It can make sidewalks and roads unexpectedly slick, especially in early morning hours. Frost on windshields also hampers visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
5. Hoar Frost: A denser form of frost that creates spiky ice crystals on surfaces, often in humid and cold conditions. Hoar frost can form on untreated roads, turning them into skating rinks, particularly on bridges and overpasses where cooling is faster.
6. Hail: Small balls of ice that form during thunderstorms, often varying in size from a pea to a golf ball. Hail can damage vehicles, rooftops, and even injure pedestrians. When it covers roads, it creates a loose, slippery surface.
7. Graupel (Snow Pellets): Soft, small pellets of snow coated in a layer of frost, resembling tiny Styrofoam balls. Graupel is slippery and often accompanies other precipitation types, compounding safety concerns on walkways and roads. Though less common, graupel demands immediate attention as it can act like marbles underfoot or tires.

How Road Surface Temperatures (RSTs) Create Risk

Even when air temperatures are above freezing, road surface temperatures (RSTs) can drop below 0°C, causing rain to freeze and forming black ice.

This phenomenon is particularly dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Proactively monitoring RSTs with accurate forecast tools, helps trigger timely gritting and de-icing to prevent ice formation​​.

OUTCO’s advanced monitoring systems, powered by accurate weather forecasting, identify these conditions early to trigger winter gritting and de-icing services​.

OUTCO’s On-Site Salt Supply Solutions

OUTCO offers a range of salt and de-icing product options tailored to your site’s needs, ensuring you’re always prepared for winter weather:

1. Grit Bins and Refills:
   • Grit Bin Installation: Durable, weather-resistant grit bins can be strategically placed around your site for quick access.
   • Refills: Regularly replenished grit bins ensure you never run out of salt during critical times. OUTCO’s refill service means you’re always prepared​.
2. Salt and Specialist Supplies:
   • OUTCO can deliver white marine salt directly to your site, both in bags or loose, ensuring you have a continuous supply for specific high-risk areas. This sustainable option is highly effective and minimises environmental impact​. We can also provide materials for treatment on specialised surfaces such as metal stairs.
3. Bagged Salt:
   • Convenient, pre-packaged salt bags are ideal for smaller areas or where quick, localised treatment is required. Bagged salt provides more precise application, reducing waste.
4. Specialist De-Icing Products:
   • For extreme conditions, OUTCO provides advanced de-icing solutions, including liquid de-icers and other specialist products designed to quickly break down ice and prevent re-freezing.

Best Practices for Winter Surface Management

1. Proactive Treatments
   • Timing: Applying salt in the late evening or early morning is most effective when temperatures are dropping, before freezing occurs, ensuring the salt can prevent ice formation overnight​.
   • Materials: OUTCO primarily uses pure marine salt, which is sustainable and highly effective for de-icing. This fast-acting salt doesn’t leave grit behind, like with brown salt, minimising staining and environmental impact​.
2. On-site Supplies
   • Stocking local supplies like grit bins gives immediate access to de-icing materials, reducing delays during critical conditions. OUTCO provides comprehensive supply options tailored to site-specific needs​.
3. Monitoring and Planning
   • Using data-driven platforms such as OUTCO’s NIMBUS system, clients can monitor weather-triggered activities in real-time. These tools ensure services are scheduled precisely when needed, improving safety and cost efficiency​.
4. Documentation and Records
   • Keeping detailed records of all treatments not only aids compliance with health and safety regulations but also serves as proof of service in case of disputes. OUTCO’s portal provides downloadable service reports with GPS tracking and photographic evidence​​, leaving an evidenced audit trail.

The Importance of Planning Ahead

OUTCO’s winter maintenance packages combine technology, expertise, and sustainability to deliver the highest standard of service. With proactive winter gritting, bespoke de-icing solutions, and real-time monitoring, OUTCO minimises risks while maximising operational safety. Features include:

• 24/7 helpdesk support
• Comprehensive winter readiness plans
• Access to on-site salt supplies and de-icing products
• Flexible service packages tailored to your needs​​.

Why Choose OUTCO for Winter Maintenance?

With over 20 years of experience, OUTCO’s fully managed winter services provide peace of mind for facilities managers across the UK. Whether it’s bulk salt delivery, bagged salt, grit bin refills, or specialist de-icing products, OUTCO ensures you have the right resources to tackle winter head-on.

Don’t leave your site’s safety to chance this winter. For tailored solutions, proactive monitoring, and reliable salt supplies, contact OUTCO on 0800 0432 911 or visit outco.co.uk.

Stay prepared.  Stay safe.  Stay operational — with OUTCO.