Even the cleanest scrape of the plow or shovel leaves behind bits of snow and ice, and often leave surfaces more slippery than before. As years go by, proper de-icing is becoming more and more important in absolving one of liability in slip and fall cases.
And it doesn’t even have to be freezing temperatures for ice conditions to remain in effect. In fact, that’s when it’s most dangerous. Even though air temperatures may rise above freezing, surface temperatures may lag behind and cause ice to form.
We offer a variety of de-icing materials, from common rock salt on asphalt driving surfaces, to high grade calcium chloride and even quick-reacting liquid brine application.
De-icing materials are typically applied post-storm after snow removal for maximum effect. We use vehicle-mounted bulk spreaders and manual hopper spreaders for vehicle access areas, and walk-behind spreaders and hand spreading in pedestrian areas.
Vehicle and pedestrian traffic through the treated area reduces the reaction time for chemical de-icing materials to work, as boots and tires crush and compact the salt crystals/pellets, breaking it down into smaller chunks and increasing the effective surface area. Additionally, pre-wetting bulk salt with liquid brine as it leaves the spreader helps break down the salt and speed the process.
Businesses and organizations want to be protected from liability, but we must also consider the impact on the environment. Elevated sodium levels in local freshwater lakes, rivers, and chloride content in groundwater has been attributed to the prevalence of de-icing materials used by the snow and ice management industry. The situation is worsened by the increasing number of slip and fall cases in the court system each year. Chlorine in soil is toxic to plants, and causes digestion problems in animals.
In order to be diligent stewards of the environment, we take great care to use enough material to effectively melt residual snow and ice, while at the same time careful not to over-apply. We use power brooms whenever possible for a cleaner surface compared to plow blades or shovels. We have also begun the shift over to liquid brine for more efficient application and reduced salt content than the equivalent in granular material.
Ask us about de-icing services for your business or home. Give us a call today at 1-866-600-PLOW or request a proposal below.
Montgomery County: Abington, Elkins Park, Erdenheim, Flourtown, Glenside, Jenkintown, Oreland, Willow Grove, Wyncote, Wyndmoor
Philadelphia County: Cedarbrook, Chestnut Hill, East Falls, East Germantown, East Mt. Airy, East Oak Lane, Germantown, Lawncrest, Logan, Oak Lane, Olney, Wadsworth, West Mt. Airy
ZIP Codes: 19001, 19027, 19031, 19038, 19046, 19075, 19090, 19095, 19118, 19119, 19120, 19126, 19129, 19141, 19144, 19150
Every year brings additional service areas into our coverage map which may not have been updated here. If you don’t see yours listed, check out our extended coverage map.
PO Box 27702
Philadelphia, PA 19118
info@suburbansnowplow.com
