Winter weather creates many hassles for business owners. Not only does frozen precipitation restrict vehicle movement, but it also causes parking lots and walkways to become incredibly dangerous. Follow these helpful snow removal do's and don'ts to successfully prepare and treat your business's exterior surfaces.

Do:

Pre-treat services for traction.

When winter precipitation is on the way, there's a window of opportunity to significantly reduce the effects of snow and ice on your parking lot and sidewalks. Slick spots pose the biggest threat to both customers and employees by increasing the risk of falls and reducing tire traction. Adding grip-enhancing substances, like sand and gravel, ahead of time increases safety and makes snow removal more efficient.

Utilize professional snow removal and ice treatment services.

Precautionary measures are short-term solutions, especially when heavy ice or snowfall occurs. As a result, it's important to utilize the services of snow removal professionals in the aftermath of the winter storm to completely clear and haul away snow, melt ice, and treat the surface to prevent refreezing. This process not only keeps your clients and staff protected but also offers long-term financial benefits by ensuring that only safe products and equipment are utilized on your asphalt parking lot.

Don't:

Attempt to thaw ice with hot water.

Many individuals make the mistake of using a hot liquid as a quick fix to dethaw ice or snow. While the move results in an initial melt, below-freezing ground and air temperatures cause the surface to refreeze quickly. However, the process typically results in black ice, which creates a more dangerous situation than the initial problem.

Use ice-treatments to melt snow.

Snow is much easier to remove than ice, and attempting to melt snow will create an even more hazardous surface than you started with. The de-freezing solution causes the top layer of snow to melt, followed by a refreeze in its new liquid form. The result is a much thicker layer of ice that takes longer to treat. As such, it's important that the bulk of the snow is removed before the ice treatment is applied.

Protect your business and customers with dependable commercial ice and snow removal from Ron Webb Paving & Snow Removal. Since 1979, the fully licensed and insured company has been dedicated to quality paving and surface treatments for businesses across the Greater Anchorage, AK, area. Along with cold-weather solutions, the company specializes in parking lot paving and asphalt repair. Browse their full range of services online, or request an estimate today by calling (907) 349-3724.