Top 3 Tips to Prevent Ice Build-up During Snow Removal

Ice build-up on your property is not just a nuisance—it is a serious hazard that can cause physical harm and costly damage. When left untreated, the slick, frozen patches on walkways, driveways, and stairways increase the risk of slips and falls, wleadingto severe injuries, particularly for children, elderly individuals, or anyone unprepared for the hazardous conditions.

Even small patches of ice can be dangerous, causing unsuspecting people to lose their footing, resulting in everything from bruises to broken bones. This risk is especially critical for businesses, where an accident on your property could lead to liability issues or insurance claims, making it even more important to stay on top of ice removal.

Beyond the safety concerns, ice build-up can also cause significant damage to the surfaces it accumulates on. When water freezes, it expands, leading to cracks in concrete or asphalt, particularly in driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots.

Over time, this freezing and thawing process weakens the material, creating potholes or making existing damage worse. If left unchecked, these issues can worsen with each freeze-thaw cycle, leading to expensive repairs or even major replacements.

Preventing ice accumulation early on is a safety measure that can also preserve the integrity of your property and avoid costly damage later.

The Most Effective Ways to Stop Ice Build-up During Snow Removal

Preventing ice build-up during snow removal is key to maintaining both your safety and the longevity of your property. By addressing the issue before the ice has a chance to form, you can avoid costly repairs and potential slip-and-fall accidents.

Let’s go over some of the most effective strategies to stop ice from becoming a problem as you clear snow.

1. Proactive snow plowing

Proactive snow plowing is one of the most effective ways to prevent ice build-up and protect both residential and commercial properties from winter hazards. Timely snow removal prevents snow from compacting into ice, which forms when snow sits on a surface for too long, especially under freezing conditions.

If snow is left untreated, it melts from the sun’s heat or salt application, but this meltwater quickly refreezes, leading to dangerous icy patches. Therefore, prompt and efficient snow plowing is essential, as even a few hours of delay can cause ice to form, creating slippery and hazardous conditions.

For commercial snow plowing services, this could mean clearing parking lots, sidewalks, and other public spaces as soon as the snow starts accumulating to prevent traffic and pedestrian risks.

For residential snow removal, this means monitoring snowfalls, especially after heavy storms, regularly checking for new snow and ice accumulation, and promptly addressing any issues to keep your property safe.

By prioritizing snow clearing in advance, you prevent the added cost of repairing surfaces damaged by ice, ensuring your property stays both safe and well-maintained.

2. Using deicers for ice control

Once the snow has been cleared, applying deicers is a crucial second step in the ice-control process. Deicing products, like salt, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride, are designed to prevent the formulation of ice or to break down the ice that has already formed. These substances lower the freezing point of water, which stops water from freezing at typical temperatures.

In snow clearing, after the plowing or shovelling is done, deicing solutions should be applied while the surface is still slightly wet from melting snow. This gives the deicer a better chance to penetrate and effectively stop the ice from bonding with the surface, which could otherwise be difficult to remove once frozen.

For residential areas, using deicers after sidewalk snow removal not only makes surfaces safer, but also protects surfaces, like driveways and walkways, from cracks and damage caused by ice expansion.

For commercial snow plowing, larger surfaces, like parking lots, benefit from a blanket application of deicing products, helping maintain a safe environment for customers, employees, and deliveries.

With the right deicing products and application techniques, you can greatly reduce the chance of ice build-up, keeping your property safe and accessible throughout the winter months.

3. Timely winter maintenance

Winter maintenance goes hand in hand with proactive snow plowing and deicing. It involves regularly inspecting your property after each snowfall and ensuring snow and ice do not accumulate in problematic areas.

For both residential and commercial properties, this means checking not only driveways and parking lots, but also sidewalks, stairways, and entryways. Failing to address snow and ice build-up in these areas can lead to various safety hazards. It is also important to frequently monitor the weather forecast to anticipate additional snowfalls.

During periods of consistent snow accumulation, consider reaching out to professional snow plowing services to ensure all areas are addressed promptly. For commercial snow plowing, this may involve more frequent visits to make sure larger areas are kept clear throughout the day, especially in high-traffic zones.

For residential snow removal, it is critical to clear driveways and walkways multiple times during a snowstorm to prevent ice from bonding to surfaces.

How XPS Property Services Can Ease Your Ice Build-up Issues This Winter With Snow Plowing Services

When winter strikes, dealing with snow and ice build-up can be a real hassle, but XPS Property Services is here to make sure you are not left battling the cold alone. We specialize in both residential and commercial snow plowing services, and we understand the unique challenges that come with icy conditions.

Whether you are a homeowner struggling with a driveway that is hard to clear or a business owner worried about keeping your parking lot safe for customers, we have the expertise to handle it all.

Our team is highly skilled in snow plowing and winter maintenance services, ensuring all surfaces are cleared efficiently and safely. With our proactive approach, you will not have to worry about snow and ice buildup, which can lead to dangerous, slippery conditions.

We take the burden off your shoulders, so you can rest easy knowing that your space will remain accessible and secure, no matter how harsh the winter weather gets. We are committed to doing a thorough job every time to ensure optimal snow and ice removal.

From clearing sidewalks and driveways to maintaining large commercial lots, we provide high-quality snow plowing services that go beyond just pushing snow aside, as we apply the necessary techniques to ensure that every area stays clear and protected.

Whether it is a one-time clearing or ongoing winter maintenance, XPS Property Services is the go-to partner for anyone looking to stay ahead of the weather and keep their spaces safe and accessible throughout the winter season.

For more information about our snow plowing services, or to learn more about our approach to winter maintenance, call XPS Property Services at (249) 294-4913 or contact us here.