Salting and Sanding

During cold weather ice can accumulate quickly on walkways, ramps, a driveway, deck, patio, and on the steps leading up to your home. This creates a potentially hazardous situation for anyone trying to access these areas. Preventing the accumulation of ice in these areas can help reduce the risk of serious injury due to a slip and fall.

To clear these areas and keep them accessible during cold weather, entrust The Grounds Guys for residential salting and sanding services. Our crews carefully monitor weather conditions and can apply salt, sand, or a combination of both before, during and after a winter storm to effectively reduce the slip and fall potential in areas where people walk, drive, and park.

Initial Evaluation

We start your ice management service prior to the arrival of precipitation. We come to your home in advance to identify the areas where ice could accumulate and create a hazardous situation. This ensures that your family, friends, and guests are kept safe, and the exterior of your property is maintained.

Maintaining a Safe Environment

We start with the safety of your family and guests. We consider how they will navigate your property by both car and foot. We also evaluate exterior areas that are accessible such as a deck and/or patio. To ensure a safe environment we perform the following:

• Keep entrances, walking paths, common areas and driving lanes salted and/or sanded
• Monitor the condition of high traffic areas to ensure safe access
• Promptly address icy conditions to keep your property accessible in cold weather

Salting

An application of salt (sodium chloride) is used on walkways, driveways and other traffic areas to lower the freezing point and provide safer conditions. Based on weather conditions and the forecast we will apply this treatment in advance (up to 48 hours ahead of bad weather), and/or immediately after a storm. However, if the accumulation of ice is too thick, we may utilize other de-icing methods to address certain areas.

Liquid Salt

An application of salt brine can also be applied as a pre or anti-icing treatment as needed. When temperatures fall below 23 degrees, calcium or magnesium chloride may be added to lower the freezing point of the surface that is being treated. This application can also be applied post plowing to minimize the use of rock salt, which can react to surfaces.

Sanding

Sand is applied to provide better traction on snow and ice when using walkways, driveways and other traffic areas to help create a safer environment. Based on weather conditions and the forecast, we will apply this treatment immediately after a storm. Sand is not harsh on surfaces and is effective at any temperature. However, sanding can create a mess; resulting in clogged drains and can be tracked into your home if overapplied. Therefore, we take special care to use an appropriate amount based on conditions (note that even with careful planning of application, periodic cleanup will be necessary with sand use). If the accumulation of ice is too thick, we will utilize other de-icing methods address these areas. Sanding is not available in all areas, so check with the location in your area for availability.

Salt and Sand Mix

A mixture of salt and sand can also be used to melt ice and provide better traction in certain areas around your home. This mixture is highly effective and useful during severe winter weather, as it works well to both melt ice and improve traction on slippery surfaces. Based on conditions and the forecast, we will apply this treatment prior to or immediately after a storm. Just like Sanding, it’s best to plan for periodic clean-up of residual sand build-up. This service is not available in all areas, so check with the location in your area for availability.

Get Your Free Estimate

The Grounds Guys can help reduce the risk of an accident on your property during winter weather. Our salt and sanding services can help make the exterior of your home safe throughout the winter. To learn more give us a call or schedule a free estimate online.