What's Included in Ice Management for Businesses?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Ice management is a distinct service from snow plowing, even though the two often get bundled together in commercial contracts. Understanding what's actually involved helps you evaluate whether your property is properly covered.

Proactive de-icing before a freeze is one component, applying salt or brine ahead of an expected temperature drop to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement in the first place. This is more effective than reactive treatment after ice has already formed, since pre-treated surfaces are much easier to keep clear.

Reactive treatment after freezing rain or a refreeze event is the other core piece, addressing ice that's already formed on walkways, entrances, and drive lanes. This requires monitoring conditions and being ready to respond quickly, since ice can form within hours of a temperature swing.

Where Ice Management Matters Most

Ice tends to form in the same places every winter: building entrances, the bottom of downspouts, shaded corners, ramps, steps and the drive lanes customers use most. A good plan identifies these spots before the season and gives them priority. Drains and edges should be marked early so they stay visible and meltwater has somewhere to go instead of spreading across a walkway and freezing overnight.

Salt, Temperature and Its Limits

Rock salt is the workhorse of winter ice control, but it works poorly below about -10°C. On very cold days it melts slowly or not at all, so it is worth asking how a contractor handles deep-cold stretches. Salt also needs time and traffic to work, which is why entrances and walkways often need return visits during long storms rather than a single pass.

For entrances near grass, planters or areas used by pets, a gentler de-icer can be a better choice. Thames Valley Snow offers a pet-safe de-icer option alongside regular salting.

Freezing Rain and Refreeze Events

Some of the worst conditions in London come without much snow at all. Freezing rain glazes every surface, and daytime melt often refreezes after dark. Our seasonal salt service includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, so a site is treated when ice forms, not only when snow piles up.

Records That Protect Your Business

Ice management is as much about documentation as it is about salt. A timestamped photo after every visit shows when the property was treated and what it looked like. If someone slips, that record helps show the site was being maintained. Also confirm your contractor carries liability insurance; we carry $2,000,000 and are WSIB registered.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign

When comparing ice management proposals, ask a few direct questions. Which areas are treated: entrances only, or walkways, ramps, steps and drive lanes too? What triggers a visit: snowfall depth, freezing rain, or a forecast refreeze? Are return visits included during long storms? How is the work recorded, and can you see those records? And what product is used near doors, planters and grass?

Clear answers to these questions tell you more than a price alone. A plan that only plows and salts once per storm can leave entrances icy for hours, which is exactly when customers and staff are coming and going. Write the agreed areas and triggers into the contract so everyone knows what to expect, and keep the site map with the contract so new staff or a new property manager can see what is covered.

Is ice management included in plowing?

Not always. Plowing moves snow; ice management treats surfaces so they stay safe. Check that your contract names salting and freezing rain visits separately.

How are commercial sites priced?

Each site is different, so we price commercial properties individually and send a per-site quote within 2 business days.

Ready to sort out winter before it starts? Ask for a free quote, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about our salting and ice control and commercial snow removal.