Maintaining Sidewalks and Parking Lots
Facilitating quick snow removal from sidewalks and parking lots is as vital as snow removal from roads. This needs much more than just sprinkling bulk salt over the areas. City ordinances and the safety of employees and clients are a few key factors to consider. This article will discuss how you can effectively manage snow in these areas.
Snow management plan for sidewalks and parking lots
Assessing and mapping the areas you have to manage before the snowfall is a good place to start. Every walkway, garage, playground, pathway, ramp, or dock must be addressed considering their specific concerns. Spend time understanding the client’s requirements so that you can have the required landscaping supplies, de-icing products, and bulk salt kept aside for each project.
Negligent management of such spaces could lead to accidental slips, falls, and eventual liability claims. Businesses have to keep functioning even after a storm. Therefore, offices and shops should be safely accessible to the public. Ill-managed areas deter employees and customers, resulting in a loss of efficiency and business.
Clearing sidewalks
Snow and Ice Clearing Bylaw mandates that sidewalks should be cleared within 12 hours and parking areas, driveways, landings, and so on within 24 hours of the ending of snowfall. Following the best snow removal practices will help in achieving this promptly.
Using anti-icing agents and effective de-icing products on pathways, sidewalks and walkways are essential. When appropriately planned, anti-icing agents can be used to reduce the chances of heavy snow accumulation. Sidewalks treated with anti-icing landscaping supplies will deter the speed of snow formation, making it easier to clear the deposit after the storm. It also reduces the amount of bulk road salt required for effective snow removal.
Knowing where to dispose of the snow is equally essential. The process of thawing and hardening often causes excessive damage to sidewalks if the snow and resultant water are not drained effectively. You also cannot block a driver’s view or an entrance to a building with plowed snow. Therefore, planning is essential before laying out the bulk road salt. Choose de-icing products that work best depending on the amount of snow accumulation. Many contractors use dyed bulk road salt to ensure people are aware of the usage and look forward to snow removal.
Clearing parking lots
Let’s look at a few best practices that will help you remove snow from parking lots.
Discuss the designated areas for snow piling and snow removal with the client beforehand. Make a note of curbs, landscaped areas, entrances, ramps, and exits.
Start at the centre and move outwards, plowing in straight lines. This will help you navigate a clear path and avoid the chance of an overlooked or missed area. Be mindful of parked cars so that they do not get snowed in or damaged during the clearing process.
Manage the spreading of bulk salt effectively to ensure your landscaping supplies stock lasts till project completion.
Snow removal business can be quite profitable during the cold winter months. This is the time you can earn loyal customers by solving their issues safely, efficiently, and quickly. A good plan will help you take on more clients and manage multiple projects effectively.