Winter in Ontario can bring its own set of challenges, particularly for property and business owners. One of the biggest concerns that comes with the colder months is ice management. Managing ice during the winter is not only about ensuring your walkways, sidewalks, and parking lots are safe, it is also about ensuring that your business runs smoothly, regardless of the weather and conditions. Most business owners are faced with a critical decision each winter: are professional deicing services worth the cost, or can you handle it yourself? Read on to learn more about precision deicing, what is involved in effective de-icing, the pros and cons of DIY and professional services, and how to find a reputable service provider in your area.
About Deicing
Before making a decision about managing ice for your commercial spaces, it’s vital to have a strong understanding of what is involved in effective deicing. The term ‘deicing’ refers to the process of removing ice from surfaces, particularly those that are walked or driven upon. Deicing typically involves the use of ice-melting products, as well as ice-melt spreaders, to distribute the product evenly over the area. Other tools are also often used to chip and remove any hardened ice. This process is essential for the prevention of injuries and accidents, as well as maintaining accessibility to your business. Deicing often involves a variety of methods, tools, and materials.
The Pros and Cons of DIY De-Icing
Choosing the DIY route may appear to be the cost-effective choice at first glance. Doing it yourself means that you can control the timing and deicing method, and for some smaller businesses with little outdoor space, it may be a practical choice.
DIY deicing, however, has its share of drawbacks. The largest challenge is the effort, energy, and time required to effectively deice your property. If you’re a business owner or manager, your time is incredibly valuable and in many cases, spending your time deicing or shoveling snow is not ideal. In addition, properly deicing requires a fair amount of expertise and specialty equipment. Choosing the wrong tools, materials, or methods can cause damage to your property or, worse, a failure to effectively remove ice, which poses a risk to all of your valued customers and employees.
About Professional Deicing Services
Professional deicing service providers are experts at removing ice and bringing efficiency and precision to every job. With access to commercial-grade materials and equipment that can handle difficult ice situations and larger areas effectively, professional services are the best choice for many business owners.
Reliability is one of the most important advantages of professional services. Your service provider will closely monitor current and future weather conditions and respond appropriately to ensure that your business is never negatively affected by a winter storm. Professionals also have knowledge of the local regulations concerning the use of salt and chemicals, thereby ensuring that your business is always in compliance with the regional rules and regulations.
The Question of Cost
Hiring professional deicing services does come at a price. But when other factors are considered, such as possible costs due to slip-and-fall accidents, damage from improper deicing methods, or lost time spent managing it yourself, having a professional take care of it for you is often the most cost-effective solution long term.
How to Make the Best Choice for Your Business
Choosing between professional and DIY deicing services comes down to the specific needs of your business. It is important to consider factors such as the size of your property, the average weather conditions in your region, and the amount of time and resources you are able to dedicate to deicing each winter.
If you have a small storefront with limited outdoor space to manage, taking the DIY approach might be sufficient. However, professional deicing services are worth the investment for bigger businesses and commercial spaces, businesses in areas that experience heavy winter conditions, or if you simply want to ensure the utmost safety and efficiency.
The Bottom Line
Winter weather doesn’t have to make being a business owner a headache. The key to managing snow and ice during the winter months is to stay prepared and be proactive. It is important to remember that the safety and accessibility of your business are essential to your success, and how you choose to manage ice can make a world of difference.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free winter season, look no further than Mountview Services to take care of all of your snow removal and deicing needs. With our reliable team of experts and equipment bringing the best tools and knowledge to each job, we will ensure your business remains safe and accessible, no matter the weather. Contact us today to learn more about our winter services and to receive a free quote.