What's Included in Sidewalk and Entrance Clearing?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Sidewalk and entrance clearing sounds simple compared to plowing a whole lot, but it's actually one of the more detailed parts of a commercial snow removal contract, and it's worth understanding exactly what should be included.

Shovelling and clearing the walkway surface itself is the baseline, removing snow down to the pavement rather than leaving a compacted layer that turns to ice underfoot. A quick pass that just pushes the top layer aside without clearing to the surface often looks done but still leaves a hazard.

Salting or de-icing the cleared surface is a separate but essential step, since a shovelled walkway can still refreeze into a sheet of ice overnight if it isn't treated. Many contracts bundle this with clearing, but it's worth confirming it's explicitly included rather than assumed.

Entrance mats and immediate doorway areas sometimes get missed in a standard sidewalk pass, since crews focus on the main walkway length. These few square feet right at the door see the heaviest foot traffic and deserve specific attention, not just a general pass down the sidewalk.

Steps, Ramps and Accessible Routes

Steps and ramps are where falls are most likely, and they cannot be cleared by a plow. They need hand work: snow removed from every tread, edges found, and ice treated so the surface is not glazed. Accessible parking spaces, curb cuts and the path from them to the door should be on the list too, since a clear lot is little help if the ramp to the entrance is blocked by a plow ridge.

Timing Around Your Hours

A walkway cleared at noon does not help staff who arrive at 7 a.m. Agree when walks will be finished on a storm morning, and whether crews come back during a long snowfall or only once it stops. Overnight refreeze is the other big risk: meltwater from snowbanks often runs across a walk in the afternoon and freezes after dark, so ice control may be needed on days with no new snow at all.

Where to Put the Snow

Snow from walks has to go somewhere. Piling it against the building, on top of drains or beside the entrance creates melt that flows straight back onto the path and refreezes. A good plan sets pile spots downhill from walkways and away from doors, and marks drains and edges before the season so they can be found under snow.

Checking What a Quote Really Covers

• Which walks, steps and ramps are included, by name or on a site map
• Whether salting or de-icing is part of the price or extra
• Whether freezing rain and refreeze visits are covered
• When walks will be clear on a storm morning
• What record you get after each visit

How We Handle Commercial Walkways

We price commercial sites individually, based on the walks, entrances and service times each property needs, and send the quote within 2 business days. Every visit comes with a timestamped photo. We carry $2,000,000 liability insurance, are WSIB registered and are a member of the London Property Management Association.

Entrance Mats and Door Zones

The few metres in front of a door take the most foot traffic. Snow tracked in from the lot gets packed down here and turns to ice quickly. Ask that door zones are cleared to bare pavement and treated each visit, and keep mats inside dry so wet floors do not become their own hazard.

Sidewalk Clearing FAQ

Is salting included with sidewalk clearing?

It depends on the contract. Always confirm in writing whether ice control is included or priced separately.

Do you clear residential walkways too?

Yes. For homes, walkway and steps start at $150 + HST, and a walk plus up to 6 steps is $175 + HST.

Need walkways and entrances covered? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. See commercial snow removal and walkway and steps.