While summer is a popular season for tourists, winter is also a beautiful season for the people of Edmonton as they get to enjoy fresh snowfall. But if not cleared, then piles of snow and ice turn from beautiful pictures for postcards into slippery and dangerous obstacles near houses and offices. Edmonton experiences long winters hence the need to have proper snow removal strategies so that every property is accessible and safe.
Understanding Edmonton’s Winter Weather
Winter in Edmonton may last from November to March and the average seasonal snow is about 45 to 58 inches. This is due to very low temperatures that cause the snow to freeze and make ice on driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Failure to clear these surfaces leads to their formation becoming slippery and having an irregular surface, which is very dangerous. Excessive accumulation also piles up against doors and openings to prevent entrance.
Moreover, Edmonton’s climate can always be characterized as not very stable, and it often has what is called ‘freeze-thaw’ cycles in winter. Night temperatures cause water that seeped into the porous concrete and asphalt during warmer daytime temperatures to freeze as hardened ice. This process is responsible for the formation of hard ice layering and enlargement of cracks and potholes in driveways and lots.
Dangers from the Accumulated Snow and Ice
When snow and ice accumulate, they create serious hazards, including:
- Slip-and-fall injuries on uneven, icy surfaces
- Traffic mishaps due to loss of control, visibility, and barriers to route access
- Problems in accessing the properties or making the properties non-functional
- Ultimate harm to the surface and the infrastructure due to consistent dampness and recurrent freezing.
These dangers, however, can be reduced by residents and business owners through proper removal of snow.
Snow Removal Best Practices
To facilitate effective, timely snow removal in Edmonton, AB, keep these best practices in mind:
- Act Early: As soon as the snow has stopped falling, remove snow from driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots. Dry snow is easier to clear with a shovel before it compacts and forms ice. To do this, it is advisable to set an hourly or daily snow removal schedule to avoid forgetting the task.
- Use Proper Tools: Ensure that equipment is compatible with the surface on which is to be installed. Small lots can be cleared by shovels and snow blowers while the large lots are cleared by plows and loaders. Also, make sure that tools are in good condition before the winter season sets in.
- Mind Pile-Up Locations: While clearing the snow on the properties, ensure that it is dumped in areas where it will not cause harm to individuals passing nearby. When heaps thaw, new obstacles such as vision-obscuring heaps of snow and slush may appear.
- Apply Safe De-icing Methods: As for the formation of traction through ice melting, it is necessary to apply appropriate measures to use salt and de-icing agents. This results in over-application which in turn damages concrete and vegetation. Find out the environment-friendly ice-melt products. Remember to obey the instructions written on the labels.
- Be Thorough: Remove snow and ice completely from paved areas. The remaining slick areas and buildups on stairs, disabled railing, etc. continue to present fall hazards.
Advantages of Hiring Professional Assistance to Clear Snow
Since Edmonton is notorious for having long and severe winters, shoveling the snow by himself can be tasking for a resident or business person. Companies that offer professional snow removal in Edmonton, AB, have the necessary tools and experience to work with large volumes of snow. They offer:
- Quick response, night – early morning surveillance and plowing
- Special contracts for snow removal on a time or seasonal basis
- More flexibility in terms of working according to property owners’ convenience
- Fewer lifetime damages compared to repairing damage from snow and ice
- Less legal risks from ensuring that the premises are safe and well-kept
The right choice of professional snow removal is a company with legal permits, insurance, suitable equipment, and skilled technicians for the efficient and safe performance of service contracts in Edmonton.
The Best Practices for the Removal of Snow
Some of the traditional ice-melting agents such as salt are detrimental to the environment in Edmonton. Salt is washed off and drains to the soils and water systems, hence worsening the quality. Sand and ash enhance grip without damaging concrete. Moreover, where possible, it is right to use equipment that emits less, for instance, electric snow blowers. When planning the area for storing the snow, it is possible to melt it at a slow rate rather than causing runoff. Small works allow residents to contribute to environmental improvements in the place they live in.
Edmonton weather is characterized by severe winters and storms that develop suddenly and the snow falls early. Sustained snowfall is rare but frequent are the dump-offs, of 20+ centimeters of snow during the night. To avoid playing catch-up:
- Maintenance of snow removal tools at the end of summer
- Ensure that safe forms of de-icers and traction aids are available
- This will help in choosing areas that are suitable for storing the snow
- Prepare contracts of a seasonal nature with specialists in the removal industry
- If traveling, hire neighborhood teenagers to shovel snow
In this way, Edmontonians can prepare ahead of time and make winter snow removal a little less of a chore.
Conclusion: Ensuring a Safe and Accessible Property Throughout the Winter Season
If not removed, snow and ice build-up throughout winter and pose risks to people around the Edmonton structures. Residents can foster security and access by conducting timely and frequent snow clearing and safe de-icing. Most people consider hiring professionals to handle their properties during winter, that way, the properties remain clean throughout the season. Edmonton winters are beautiful and safe when the snow is shoveled promptly and to the ground for the entire season.
For efficient and quality seasonal snow removal in Edmonton, AB, contact Alberta Pro Pavement Markings. Providing full-service snow management for businesses and homes, Alberta Pro Pavement Markings assists in maintaining safe roads and paths in Edmonton each winter.
