Residential Snow Removal

When Does Snow Become Icy?

Snow becomes icy when it undergoes compaction or melting, followed by refreezing, which can occur due to temperature fluctuations, foot or vehicle traffic, or exposure to sunlight. Daytime warmth or direct sunlight may melt the surface of the snow, while colder nighttime temperatures cause it to refreeze into a slick, hazardous layer. Additionally, repeated compression from walking or driving can densify snow, accelerating its transformation into ice.

These icy conditions can make sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces dangerously slippery, increasing the risk of accidents. This is just one reason why timely snow removal is essential for maintaining safety and accessibility.

What Are the Benefits of Prompt Snow Removal?

Prompt snow removal ensures your property stays safe, accessible, and well-maintained during the winter months.

Key benefits include:

• Improved safety: Quickly clearing snow reduces the risk of slip-and-fall accidents for family members, visitors, and delivery personnel.
• Ice build-up prevention: Removing snow before it compacts into ice helps avoid hazardous and difficult-to-remove icy patches.
• Maintained accessibility: Clear driveways, sidewalks, and entryways ensure you can move in and out of your home without hassle.
• Protected property: Prompt removal minimizes the chances of snow-related damage to driveways, landscaping, and walkways.

When Should You Request Residential Snow Removal Services?

The ideal time to request residential snow removal services depends on the timing and intensity of the storm. During heavy snowfall, it’s often beneficial to have snow cleared intermittently to prevent excessive accumulation and compaction, which can make removal more challenging.

For lighter snowfalls or after a storm ends, scheduling snow removal promptly ensures your property remains safe and accessible without the risk of ice forming.

Pacific Lawn & Pest’s Snow Clearing and Removal Services

We do the important work of snow removal so you don’t have to. Winter can make maintaining your property a challenge, but Pacific Lawn & Pest is here to help. With prompt, professional services and a commitment to quality, we’re ready to handle all your snow and ice management needs.

Look to us when you need:

• Driveway snow clearing
• Snow plowing and hauling services
• Sidewalk and pathway snow removal
• De-icing services

What’s the Difference Between Snow Plowing and Snow Removal?

While snow plowing and snow removal both serve the purpose of clearing snow from your property, they differ in how they’re carried out.

Snow plowing involves using a plow to push the snow from one area to another, typically along driveways or roads. This method is quick and effective for large areas with moderate snow buildup but can result in snow being piled in certain spots, potentially creating obstacles.

On the other hand, snow removal goes a step further by not just pushing the snow aside but hauling it away from the property entirely. This process is ideal for areas where you need to completely clear snow and prevent buildup.

The choice between snow plowing and snow removal depends on various factors, including the amount of snow you want to clear and space availability. Snow removal is typically more intensive and may be necessary for smaller properties or high-traffic areas where snow piles could be hazardous. Snow plowing, while cost-effective and quick, may not always provide the same level of cleanliness as removal.

How Long Does Deicing Take?

The time it takes for deicing to work depends on several factors, including the temperature, the thickness of the ice, and the product used. Typically, salt begins to work within 15 to 30 minutes, melting the ice and creating a safer surface. When temperatures are colder, specialty ice melt is applied, which, although it works effectively even in subzero conditions, may take slightly longer to activate.

Deicing is best applied before heavy foot or vehicle traffic, allowing the product to penetrate the ice effectively. We start by identifying high-traffic and hazard-prone areas, such as entrances, walkways, and driveways. Then, we apply premium-quality salt or ice melt evenly across these surfaces, ensuring optimal coverage for effective results.

Which Areas Are Cleared During Snow Removal Sessions?

Most residential properties that we visit for snow removal require attention to specific areas. While every property has unique qualities, most of them require clearing of the standard pathways and driveways for reasons of accessibility. The goal of any professional snow removal company is to make sure they’re accessible after a snow storm.

Here’s a quick overview of how we address the most common areas during our snow removal sessions:

• Driveways: We clear snow from your driveway to ensure your vehicles can safely enter and exit your property without slipping or getting stuck. Whether it’s a single-car or multi-car driveway, we use efficient equipment to get the job done.
• Sidewalks and walkways: These high-traffic areas are cleared to prevent slipping hazards and ensure safe passage for you, your family, and guests. We also apply deicing solutions for added safety.
• Entryways and steps: We remove snow from porches, steps, and entryways to create safe access to your home. This includes ensuring pathways are properly deiced to reduce the risk of accidents.
• Patios and outdoor paths: For properties with patios or pathways leading to amenities like garages, mailboxes, or backyard areas, we carefully remove snow to restore full functionality to your outdoor spaces.