Commercial Property Snow Removal: Top Tools and Techniques for Efficiency
Effective snow removal on commercial properties requires the right tools and techniques to ensure safety, accessibility, and operational continuity during the winter months. While traditional methods like shoveling and plowing are essential, modern technology and techniques have introduced efficient ways to tackle snow and ice accumulation. Here, we’ll explore the top tools and techniques for efficient commercial property snow removal.
Tools for Efficient Snow Removal
- Snow Plows: Snow plows are a staple in commercial snow removal. They come in various sizes and types, including truck-mounted plows and skid-steer plows. Properly equipped plows can clear large areas quickly.
- Snow Blowers: Snow blowers, also known as snow throwers, are excellent for removing deep or heavy snow. They are available in single-stage and two-stage models. Two-stage snow blowers are more powerful and suitable for commercial use.
- Liquid De-Icers: Liquid de-icing materials, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride, are applied before or after snowfall to prevent ice formation and make snow removal easier.
- Salt Spreaders: Salt spreaders are used to distribute de-icing salt evenly across surfaces. Some models are built into snow plows for simultaneous plowing and de-icing.
- Snow Melters: Snow melters are machines designed to melt large volumes of snow quickly. They are especially useful for properties with limited snow storage space.
- Front-End Loaders: Front-end loaders are heavy machinery that can clear large piles of snow in a short time. They are versatile and can be equipped with various attachments for different snow removal tasks.
- Roof Rakes: Roof rakes are long-handled tools designed to remove snow from the roofs of buildings. This is essential for preventing ice dams and structural stress.
- Anti-Icing Equipment: Anti-icing equipment sprays liquid de-icing materials on surfaces before snowfall to prevent ice and snow from bonding to surfaces.
- Snow Pushers: Snow pushers are wide, flat attachments that can be added to front-end loaders or skid-steer loaders. They are ideal for pushing large volumes of snow.
Techniques for Efficient Snow Removal
- Timely Removal: Start snow removal operations as soon as snowfall reaches a manageable depth. Timely removal prevents compaction and ice formation.
- Designated Pathways: Create clear pathways for pedestrians and vehicles. Ensure that walkways and entrances are prioritized for immediate snow removal.
- Continuous Monitoring: Monitor weather conditions continuously during snowfall events. Adjust your snow removal efforts based on the rate and accumulation of snow.
- Efficient Plowing Patterns: Use efficient plowing patterns to minimize the need for repeated passes. “V-plowing” or diagonal plowing can be more efficient than straight-line plowing.
- Pre-Treatment: Consider pre-treating surfaces with liquid de-icers before a snow event. This prevents ice bonding and makes subsequent removal easier.
- Eco-Friendly De-Icers: Opt for eco-friendly de-icing materials that are less harmful to the environment and property surfaces.
- Snow Stacking Locations: Identify designated areas for snow stacking to prevent obstruction of parking spaces and entrances.
- Remote Monitoring: Implement remote monitoring and control systems to track equipment and manage snow removal operations efficiently.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have an emergency plan in place for extreme weather events. Ensure that essential personnel are trained and equipped for emergency response.
- Professional Services: Consider hiring professional snow removal services with experience in commercial properties. They have the expertise and resources to handle snow removal efficiently and safely.
By combining the right tools with these efficient techniques, commercial property owners and managers can navigate the winter season with confidence, ensuring the safety and accessibility of their premises while minimizing operational disruptions.
