How refreeze forms
Even on a day that stays below freezing, winter sun can warm dark surfaces such as asphalt, roofs and car hoods enough to melt snow touching them. Snowbanks along the edge of a driveway also soften in the afternoon. That meltwater trickles across the surface and collects in low spots. As soon as the sun goes down, or a cloud bank moves in, air temperature and surface temperature fall quickly and the water turns into a thin, clear layer of ice.
Because this ice forms late in the day and overnight, it is often waiting for you on the first walk out in the morning, exactly when you are rushing.
Where refreeze is most likely
- Below snowbanks piled on the uphill side of the driveway.
- Where downspouts empty onto or near paved areas.
- Low spots, dips at the garage door and the bottom of sloped driveways.
- Shaded strips beside houses, fences and hedges, where water flows in but the sun never reaches.
- Steps and landings, which drain slowly and lose heat from all sides.
Why clearing snow fully helps
The less snow left on and around the surface, the less water there is to melt and refreeze. A driveway cleared down to the pavement, with snow piled where it drains away from the paved area, refreezes far less than one with a thin packed layer left behind. This is one reason we plan snow storage carefully and mark drains before the season, so meltwater has somewhere to go.
When salt is the answer
Some refreeze is unavoidable, especially in late winter when days are milder and nights are still cold. Applying de-icer before the evening freeze, or first thing in the morning, breaks the bond between ice and pavement. Rock salt works well in typical refreeze conditions near the freezing mark, but it slows down a great deal in deep cold, roughly below -10°C. Our seasonal salting plan includes refreeze visits as well as freezing rain visits, so you are not left guessing whether to call. If you have pets, a pet-safe de-icer option is available for $120 plus HST.
Homeowners can help too: redirect downspouts, keep a small bucket of de-icer by the door, and avoid parking a snow-covered car where it will drip onto the walkway.
How our seasonal service handles it
Our seasonal plans run from December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic every time 5 cm or more falls, so you never need to call or book a visit. In long storms we come back for return visits, and the City windrow at the end of your driveway is cleared as part of the service. Before the season starts we mark your edges, steps and drains so they can be found under snow. After every visit you get a timestamped photo. We are fully insured with $2,000,000 in liability coverage and registered with WSIB. Seasonal salting is available for $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. Prices are fixed for the season: single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725, doubles are $815, and three-car, paver or stamped driveways are $1,050, all plus HST. We measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed quote within one business day. A 30% deposit reserves your spot, with the balance due before December 1.
Want this handled for you this winter? Request a free quote and we will measure your property and send a fixed price within one business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about salting and ice control and our FAQ.
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 $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $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.
Want it handled for you?
Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
Get my free quote