Ice Control for Belmont Driveways and Walkways

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Why ice is often worse than snow

Snow is visible. You can see it, plan for it and clear it. Ice is different. A thin glaze from freezing rain, or meltwater that refroze overnight, can be almost invisible on a dark driveway. It is the kind of surface that catches people by surprise on the way to the car or the mailbox, and it is behind many winter falls.

Southwestern Ontario winters often hover around the freezing mark. That means days of melting followed by nights of refreezing, with the occasional freezing rain event in between. A driveway that was perfectly clear at supper can be dangerous at breakfast.

How freezing rain and refreeze happen

Freezing rain falls as liquid and freezes on contact with cold surfaces. It coats everything evenly: driveways, steps, railings and car windshields. Refreeze is slower. Snowbanks, roofs and eavestroughs melt during the day, water runs across hard surfaces, and when the temperature drops after sunset it freezes in place, often in the same low spots every time.

• Low spots at the bottom of driveways collect meltwater.
• Downspouts that empty onto pavement create ice patches.
• Shaded steps and walkways stay frozen longest.
• The slope at the road is where cars brake and slide.

What seasonal salt covers

Our seasonal salt service is $175 plus HST for the season, and it includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, not just snowfall days. That is the key difference. Many ice problems happen on days with no snow at all, and a plan that only salts after plowing misses them.

Salt works best on a cleared surface, applied thinly and evenly rather than in piles. For homes with dogs or for porches and steps where pets walk, pet-safe de-icer is $120 for the season.

Timing matters as well. Salt applied before a refreeze sets in, or right as freezing rain starts, prevents ice from bonding to the pavement. Salt applied after thick ice has formed works much more slowly. That is why visits are tied to icing conditions rather than a fixed schedule.

Small steps that reduce ice

Some of the best ice control happens before winter. Clean eavestroughs in the fall so they drain properly instead of overflowing onto steps. Add downspout extensions that send water onto the lawn instead of across the driveway. Check that railings on steps are solid. And keep exterior lights working, since many falls happen in the dark.

Before the season we mark edges, steps and drains, and we ask homeowners to point out the spots where water tends to pool. Those are the first places that get attention after a refreeze.

Snow removal and ice control together

Seasonal snow removal runs December 1 to March 31 and is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more, with return visits in long storms, the windrow at the end of the driveway cleared, and a timestamped photo after every visit. Single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725 plus HST, doubles $815 and three-car, paver or stamped driveways $1,050. Walkway and steps start at $150. Seniors and front-line workers save 5 percent on seasonal plans.

Pairing snow removal with seasonal salt means the property is covered both when it snows and when it freezes, which is what a typical winter south of London actually looks like.

Get a fixed price for your Belmont property

In Belmont, staying safe in winter is as much about ice as snow, and a plan that covers both makes every morning safer. Request a free quote and we will measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed price within 1 business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. See our salting and ice control service and walkway and steps clearing.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps from $150 (walk plus up to 6 steps $175), salting $175 (including freezing rain and refreeze visits), priority early-morning clearing $125, pet-safe de-icer $120, a season extension from Nov 1 to Apr 15 for $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.