What Do You Need To Know About Dirt and Gravel Road Dust Control?

​If you're responsible for maintaining a gravel roadway, then you know how important it is to keep gravel road dust under control. Dust can cause countless problems, from reduced visibility to respiratory problems for drivers and passengers. In this article, we'll discuss the most popular methods for road dust suppression and critical factors to consider when selecting road dust control products.

What Can I Use to Suppress Dust on Gravel and Dirt Roads?
A dust palliative is one of the most common ways to suppress dust on dirt, gravel, and unpaved roads. Dust palliatives are products that can be sprayed on gravel paths and roads to reduce the dust kicked up by passing vehicles. Popular dust palliatives include water, chlorides, and synthetic polymer dust control solutions.
Water reduces dust, but it's only a short-term solution and must be applied frequently. You also need a water truck to regularly apply the water, which can be costly and time-consuming. Each of these dust suppression techniques can be used for different situations.
Chlorides have been shown to reduce dust dramatically in roads with high clay content but are not environmentally friendly. When they aren't kept in check, chlorides run the risk of contaminating local waterways and harming vegetation. They also are highly corrosive to metal parts and can damage vehicles.
Polymer dust control solutions, on the other hand, are environmentally-friendly and typically cost less over time, as they are durable and long-lasting. Synthetic polymers are also easy to apply and can be applied using a sprayer or even simply spread on a gravel pathway or road.

Tips for Applying Dust Suppressants
When choosing a dust palliative for gravel or dirt roads, it's essential to keep in mind some key factors. These include the type of gravel road you're dealing with (for example, whether it is high-traffic), the climate of your area, and any other environmental concerns.

Additionally, when applying dust suppressants to unpaved roads, it's important to apply the product evenly and consistently. You may also want to take into consideration any other construction or maintenance work that is being done on the gravel road, as you will need to avoid applying dust control products in these areas.

Factors That Can Impact Gravel Dust Control Product Effectiveness
Consider the following when trying to minimize the dust emitted from gravel roads. If you need more in-depth information, pricing, and product suggestions, you should consult with a dust control specialist.

Weather
Weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and precipitation levels can all impact the effectiveness of gravel dust suppressants. Generally speaking, rainfall will always be a problem, as it will wash away any gravel dust control products that are applied.
For this reason, many gravel road dust control products will need to be reapplied after rain events. High temperatures and wind can also cause gravel dust suppression products to dissipate more quickly, so you may need to apply them again in these conditions.

Soil Composition
The road dust control technique that you choose should also take into account the soil composition of your gravel roads. For example, if your dirt road is sandy or loamy, a polymer solution may provide the most effective dust control, as these materials tend to work better in more porous soil types.

Road Traffic
The traffic levels on your roadway can impact the effectiveness of dust palliatives. Roadways with heavy traffic may require a more durable solution for dust control than gravel roads that are lightly traveled. Additionally, road dust suppressants will wear off more quickly in high-traffic areas, so you may need to reapply them more frequently.

Air Moisture
Air moisture and humidity can impact the effectiveness of certain dust control products. For example, magnesium chloride generally works better and for a longer time in drier conditions than calcium chloride. However, during periods of high humidity, calcium chloride typically performs better than magnesium chloride. So, it's important to consider air moisture and humidity before selecting a dust suppression method.

Durable Dirt and Gravel Road Dust Control
If you are looking for long-lasting dust control products for your unpaved road, consider Envirotac polymers, a durable and cost-saving solution. Contact us to find out how our acrylic polymer products can help you reduce the costly problems caused by dust.