How Commercial Snow Plowing Works: A Step-by-Step Guide
When winter weather hits hard, businesses and commercial properties need a reliable solution to keep their grounds safe and accessible. Commercial snow plowing services provide just that, ensuring smooth operations even during severe snowstorms. But how does commercial snow plowing actually work? In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from preparation to final cleanup, so you can better understand how your snow removal service helps your business stay open and safe during the winter.
1. Initial Consultation & Site Assessment
Before the first snowflake even falls, the commercial snow removal process begins with an initial consultation and site assessment. During this phase, the snow plowing company meets with property managers or business owners to evaluate the property’s specific needs.
Site Inspection: The snow removal team walks through your property to identify high-priority areas, including parking lots, driveways, walkways, loading docks, and entrances.
Mapping & Planning: A customized snow removal plan is developed based on the layout of the property, including where snow should be piled after clearing, areas prone to ice buildup, and key areas that need constant accessibility.
Discussion of Special Requirements: Businesses with special needs, like hospitals or retail centers, may require round-the-clock service or priority plowing of high-traffic areas.
2. Weather Monitoring
Effective commercial snow plowing isn’t reactive—it’s PROACTIVE. Snow removal companies closely monitor weather forecasts to ensure they are prepared for upcoming snow and ice events.
24/7 Monitoring: Most professional services use advanced weather tracking systems to monitor conditions in real-time.
Preemptive Action: In many cases, the team will take preemptive measures like salting or applying de-icing agents to the property ahead of the storm to prevent ice buildup and make snow removal easier.
3. Dispatch & Timing Coordination
Once the snow starts falling, timing becomes crucial. The snow removal company will determine when it’s best to begin clearing based on the severity and timing of the storm.
Strategic Dispatching: Snow plowing teams are dispatched based on the size and location of the property. Larger properties or those with high traffic will typically receive priority attention.
Continuous Service: For significant snowfalls, plows may clear your property multiple times during the storm to keep pathways clear and prevent snow from building up too much.
4. Plowing Operations
The actual snow plowing is where the heavy lifting happens. Commercial properties often require specialized equipment to handle large areas quickly and efficiently.
Plow Trucks: Commercial snow plowing trucks are equipped with heavy-duty plows designed to handle large amounts of snow. They clear parking lots, roads, and loading areas efficiently.
Snow Blowers & Skid Steers: In tighter or smaller areas like sidewalks and walkways, snow blowers or skid steer loaders may be used for more precise snow removal.
Snow Piling & Removal: Depending on the property, snow may be piled in designated areas (marked during the site assessment) or hauled off-site if space is limited.
5. De-icing & Salt Application
Once the majority of snow has been cleared, de-icing measures are taken to prevent slippery conditions that can lead to accidents.
Salt Application: Rock salt or other de-icing agents are spread across parking lots, driveways, and other flat surfaces to melt residual snow and ice.
Calcium Chloride: In extremely cold conditions, calcium chloride may be used, as it is more effective than traditional salt at lower temperatures.
Walkway Treatments: Sidewalks, stairs, and entryways are treated with a combination of salt and ice melt to ensure safe pedestrian access.
6. Post-Storm Cleanup
After the snowstorm passes, additional cleanup may be required to keep the property clear and ensure long-term safety.
Final Pass: A final plowing pass may be needed to clean up any additional snow that fell or drifted after the initial plow.
Ice Monitoring: Crews often monitor the property for ice formation over the following days, particularly in shaded areas or after snowmelt refreezes overnight.
Snow Removal Follow-Up: If large snow piles begin to block visibility or take up valuable parking space, the snow plowing company may return to remove or relocate excess snow. In this case, we make the recommendation to the client, and they make the decision if the snow needs to be removed from the property.
7. Ongoing Maintenance Throughout the Winter Snowstorms are often unpredictable, and winter maintenance doesn’t end with one storm. Commercial properties require regular monitoring and ongoing service throughout the season.
Routine Inspections: The snow removal team will frequently visit your property to check for ice buildup, inspect high-traffic areas, and ensure everything is in good condition. Our Ice Patrol team is monitoring your property 24/7.
Salting & De-icing: Even when there’s no heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures can cause ice to form on sidewalks and parking lots, so salting and de-icing services are performed as needed.
Contracted Service Plans: Many businesses opt for a seasonal snow removal contract that ensures continuous service throughout the winter, providing peace of mind knowing that your property will be managed, no matter the weather.
8. Emergency Snow Removal Services
In the event of a particularly severe snowstorm or unexpected snowfall, commercial snow plowing companies offer emergency services. This is crucial for businesses that need immediate snow removal to ensure safety and accessibility for employees and customers.
24/7 Availability: Professional snow removal companies are often available around the clock during winter months to respond to emergency calls.
Rapid Response Teams: Teams can be dispatched quickly to handle emergency snow removal needs, minimizing downtime for businesses.
Conclusion
Commercial snow plowing is a complex process that requires careful planning, advanced equipment, and continuous monitoring throughout the winter season. By partnering with a professional snow removal company, you can rest assured that your business will remain open, safe, and accessible no matter how harsh the weather gets. Understanding how the process works will help you appreciate the level of detail and expertise that goes into keeping your property clear and hazard-free during the winter months.
Need help keeping your business running smoothly this winter? Contact us to learn more about our commercial snow removal services and our ice patrol team!
Mike Tzakas
LPM
Director of Sales
[email protected]
www.LPM1.ca