Ice Removal

Deicing is an important component of any Lansing and Grand Rapids snow removal and ice management plan. Snow can be removed, but the result can still be a slick walkway or parking lot due to post-plowing conditions, freezing rain or re-freezing of moisture left on cleared surfaces. It’s vital to have an experienced approach to deicing to make sure your property is safe for all who visit your property. So let’s look at what deicing is and how deicers work.

What is Deicing?

Deicing refers to the use of either liquid or solid ice melt products. Liquid deicers are often used to prevent or greatly slow the formation of a bond between snow or ice and the pavement. Depending on the type of precipitation, these products are most effective when applied before the actual weather event, with periodic applications during storms to boost its effectiveness. It’s also important to note that not just one formula is perfect for every ice condition. A professional snow removal company knows that custom mixtures are best to accurately address the temperature and moisture of a given storm.

How Do Deicers Work?

Solid deicers work by lowering the freezing point of water, creating a brine with the chloride that bores through snow and ice and breaks the bond between ice and the pavement. The exact choice of ice melt product to use is dependent upon the temperature, current conditions and moisture or precipitation.

Refreezing occurs when the melted ice or snow dilutes the deicing chemical to the point where it allows the water to freeze again. Rock salt will melt ice to around 15 degrees, but when the temperature goes down again it refreezes. The increased freeze/thaw cycle is harder on surfaces like concrete. Even though a deicer with a lower re-freezing point may be a more expensive product, it will probably require less product to melt and control ice and fewer applications, resulting in fewer man hours and lower costs.

Refreezing is also dependent on factors such as surface temperature, chemical concentration and air temperature, and these variables should be closely monitored to determine the necessity and timing of reapplying deicing products.

Professional Snow Removal in Grand Rapids & Lansing

Sneller Snow & Grounds provides professional snow removal services to the Grand Rapids and Lansing MI areas. We watch weather systems closely including surface temperatures, and freeze/thaw cycles in the Grand Rapids and Lansing, Michigan areas. This ensures that we treat properties with the best ice management mixture at the exact times of the day when they are most effective. If you own a business located in the Grand Rapids or Lansing areas, contact us to discuss your deicing and snow removal needs.