Winter is the season for snow angels, snowmen, hot chocolate, warm nights by the fire, social events, and family gatherings. For businesses and other organizations, things may slow down a little to accommodate festivities, but operations continue.
While the snow can create a picturesque postcard scene, the health and safety implications are high, and care needs to be taken to protect everyone coming into your property.
Snow and ice buildup is extremely dangerous, so planning the maintenance and services discussed below before the snow hits will be a lifesaver.
1. Ice melt management
One of winter’s more hazardous aspects is the hidden ice beneath all the snow. Compacted snow from foot traffic can create a hard layer of ice. Black ice formed before snowfall can be just as dangerous when uncovered. This can cause problems while walking on sidewalks, through parking lots, and even in front courtyards heading to the main entrance of a business.
Snow and ice management in Hamilton makes sure that this task is done regularly to prevent ice from building up and is easier to manage. You should install signs to advise people of icy conditions and alert people to take care when walking.
For small spaces, throwing down some safe melt salt can be enough, but for larger areas, there is more that needs to be done. You should scrape the snow away to reveal the surface underneath so you can see the sidewalks. This will allow you to strategically place the rock salt or other de-icer material.
2. Snow removal
In the winter, everyone dreads having to bundle up and go outside with the shovel to clear away driveways and sidewalks. While this may be adequate for most residential properties, commercial areas have a higher workload and are more physically demanding.
Snow and ice management in Brantford and Hamilton understands the potential undertaking required. Therefore, their snow removal services include plowing parking lots, sidewalks, and other areas where people congregate and walk.
With the right equipment to make snow removal a breeze, the professionals can get the job done fast and efficiently every time.
3. Snow hauling
Clearing the desired space of snow and ice is usually where most people stop. Large wind-rows are formed, which may be great to slide down for children, but can be impractical and more of a nuisance.
Snow hauling is done by using plow trucks and other specialized equipment to completely remove these wind-rows and other piles off the property. This frees up parking stalls for more people to use, and creates a space for walking along the pathways to the entrance.
4. Sidewalk clearing
We cannot stress enough the importance of fast and efficient sidewalk clearing. Many lawsuits happen because someone has slipped on ice on a sidewalk outside a business.
There are several bylaws that dictate when the sidewalks need to be cleared. Working with a professional snow and ice management company in Hamilton that understands these regulations allows you to tackle these issues quickly.
Combined with the right tools for the job and expert know-how, your sidewalks can be cleared away within the stated bylaw time frames and before any accidents can happen. Everyone entering or exiting the premises can do so, safe in the knowledge that their safety and well-being are being cared for.
5. Emergency action plan
Of course, it is essential to plan and book the snow-removal services you need ahead of time so that when the snow does arrive, you are ready for it. However, what about an emergency situation?
Winter weather, in particular, is unpredictable. During the cold season, the weather forecast can change in a heartbeat, and it can leave businesses scrambling to get emergency snow clearing done.
While routine clearing will make the removal faster and easier, having an emergency action plan in place with your snow and ice management company in Brantford and Hamilton will take the stress and panic out of a sudden blizzard.
6. Clearing other key areas
Making sure your walkways and parking lots are clear of snow is crucial, but what about the areas close to the building itself?
Snow and ice can do a lot of damage to structures if they are not cleared away. The thawing water can seep into cracks in the walls or foundations. Then, the water will freeze and thaw repeatedly until the weather warms permanently in the spring.
By that time, however, the damage is done. Constant expansion and freezing will weaken building materials, and this can lead to a compromised integrity of the structure.
Windows and doorways are another risk. The glass can shatter if there is damage before the cold weather hits. Doorways can become more slippery with the constant foot traffic and temperature changes from the doors opening and closing.
Making sure that the snow is removed as much as possible away from the walls, corners, windows, and doorways will help prevent structural damage in the spring. This will make the building look better overall, and reduce the fall risk in high-traffic areas.
Contact the Snow and Ice Management Experts in Brantford & Hamilton
At JW Landscaping, we have been dealing with snow-related issues in Hamilton and Brantford for the last 15 years. With our expert knowledge of bylaw requirements and the latest in snow-removal technology, you can trust us to get the job done.
Working with us, you will save time and money with our tailored, hassle-free solutions to your winter blues. Our fast and efficient services take the stress and worry out of the snow-removal process, and with our emergency services, even a freak blizzard won’t stop you.
Our snow and ice management services in Brantford and Hamilton do book up fast, so make sure you get ahead of the winter rush. You can call us at 905-512-6549 now or visit us online and check out all your options before booking your no-obligation consultation.