Winter in Ontario brings heavy snow, freezing rain, and icy sidewalks. If you're responsible for keeping your property safe, you need practical advice that works. These snow removal tips will help homeowners and businesses manage snow and ice in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax and throughout the Durham Region. Whether you’re clearing a driveway or managing a parking lot, the right approach can prevent accidents, protect surfaces, and save time.
Anti-Icing vs De-Icing: Know the Difference
Before the first snow hits, it helps to understand your options. Anti-icing and de-icing are two common strategies, but they work at different times.
- Anti-icing is a preventative approach. You apply material like brine before a storm to stop ice from bonding to surfaces. This makes later cleanup easier.
- De-icing happens after snow or ice has formed. You use ice melt types such as rock salt or magnesium chloride to break the bond between ice and pavement.
Anti-icing takes less material and reduces long-term buildup. It also lowers the chance of slips. For frequent freeze-thaw cycles, it’s more effective than waiting to react.
Best De-Icing Methods for Ontario Winters
Ontario winters are cold, wet, and unpredictable. You need de-icing methods that work in extreme temperatures and on different surfaces. Here are a few of the best de-icing methods used in Durham Region:
- Rock salt (sodium chloride): The most common ice melt. It works down to about -7°C but can damage concrete and plants.
- Magnesium chloride: Works in colder temperatures (down to -15°C), is safer for concrete, and less harmful to vegetation.
- Calcium chloride: Works to -25°C, fast-acting, but more expensive and corrosive.
- Heated driveways or heat mats: Costly upfront but ideal for high-traffic areas where safety matters.
For driveways and sidewalks, magnesium chloride is a safer pick. For commercial areas, calcium chloride or heat mats may be worth the cost. Always read product labels and avoid mixing types.
Snow Removal Tips for Homeowners
If you own a home in Oshawa or nearby, keeping walkways and driveways clear is your responsibility. These snow and ice clearing tips for homeowners can make the job easier and safer:
- Shovel early and often. It’s easier to clear 5 cm twice than 10 cm once.
- Use a non-stick shovel or apply a silicon-based spray to the blade to reduce sticking.
- Apply anti-icing material before the snow starts.
- Keep ice melt types on hand and store them in a dry place.
- Don’t forget downspouts. Clogged drains can create ice patches on walkways.
- Clear snow 1 metre around fire hydrants and gas meters.
- Avoid piling snow where it can melt and refreeze on sidewalks or driveways.
Be consistent. Fresh snow is easier to remove than snow that’s been packed down or frozen overnight.
Commercial Snow Removal Tips
Business owners have more on the line. Slip-and-fall claims are a real risk. These commercial snow removal tips can help reduce that risk and maintain accessibility:
- Treat parking lots and entryways with anti-icing products before each storm.
- Use marked snow piles to keep sidewalks, curbs, and hydrants clear.
- Assign staff or hire contractors for overnight and weekend coverage.
- Consider heat mats at entrances to prevent ice buildup.
- Monitor weather alerts and set up a response plan.
- Log each snow removal activity, including time, materials used, and areas cleared.
Tips for commercial snow removal always include clear communication. Staff should know who to call and what to do during storms.
When to Hire Professional Snow and Ice Removal
You can’t always do it yourself. Snow piles up fast, and storms often hit overnight. Here’s when it’s time to hire professional ice and snow removal:
- You manage a large commercial site with walkways, parking areas, and loading zones.
- You travel often or can’t shovel due to health or age.
- You’ve been fined for not clearing your sidewalk on time.
- Your site needs regular treatment with professional-grade de-icing methods.
- You want to avoid liability or damage from poor snow management.
Michael Durham Landscaping provides reliable commercial snow removal and residential services in Oshawa and across Durham Region. Our team uses the best snow removal methods for safety and efficiency.
Don’t wait for snow to pile up. These snow removal tips can help you stay ahead of the next storm. Whether you’re treating your driveway or managing a commercial property, the right tools and timing matter.
Need help this winter? Contact Michael Durham Landscaping for safe, fast, and professional snow and ice clearing across Durham Region.