Ice Management

We provide comprehensive ice management strategies designed to ensure zero operational interruptions, safe access, and to protect your property from liability. Using responsibly selected de-icing compounds chosen with clients, pets and the environment in mind, we tailor our approach to the specific needs of each property.

Freezing and thawing cycles create hazardous surfaces that pose risks to both employees and clientele. It is crucial for businesses to proactively manage these conditions to prevent slips, falls, and related liabilities. To address this, we dispatch at every freeze to inspect your property and apply de-icer as needed. Our commitment is to help you maintain a safe, accessible, and liability-free property throughout the winter season.

The Knowledge & Know-how

When freezing rain hits, it creates dangerous conditions most providers aren’t prepared for. Without the right expertise, your property could be at serious risk for accidents.

With over 18 years of experience, we know how to handle extreme weather and keep your property safe and liability free. Protect your property with trusted ice management experts. Request your free quote today.

Salt vs De-icer

While traditional rock salt has long been used for ice control, it comes with drawbacks such as corrosion to property and vehicles, environmental harm, and potential risks to pets. In contrast, our responsibly selected de-icing compounds offer a safer, more environmentally friendly alternative. De-icers work effectively at lower temperatures, provide faster melting action, and reduce the amount of product needed, minimizing damage to surfaces and surrounding ecosystems.

A blue tractor with a yellow salt spreader attached to the back disperses salt on a city street at night, with blurred lights from buildings and cars in the background.

Protect Your Property: When to Use Urea Ice Melter Instead of Rock Salt

Commonly used as a fertilizer, urea is a synthetic substance that represents one of the best alternatives to rock salt for de-icing roads and walkways. Similar to rock salt, urea can melt ice on contact by lowering the freezing point of water. When urea is spread on ice or snow, it mixes with a thin layer of water on the surface. This mixture makes it harder for the water to freeze again, so the ice starts to melt and drain off.

The Evils of Rock Salt

Rock salt’s downside is that it can damage certain surfaces, causing concrete to crack and metal to rust. Many property owners believe that they are making a frugal decision by choosing rock salt for its lower price point. They can be quickly disappointed when damage from this well-known corrosive product leads to increased maintenance and costly repairs, particularly with new concrete. Most concrete manufacturers will not provide a warranty if rock salt is used in the first year! DO NOT USE ROCK SALT ON FRESH CONCRETE.

Urea can help protect sidewalks, bridges and other exposed metal from damage. Many homeowners and strata corporations are switching to urea ice melter, which is kinder to plants, animals and the environment. Traditional rock salt washes into the ground and may kill grass, flowers and trees. Urea, a commonly used fertilizer, does not have the same harmful effect on landscaping when applied correctly.

Finally, almost all rock salt in British Columbia is imported from Mexico and China while Saskatchewan is one of the largest urea producers in the world and ships locally through Canadian businesses.

When Should I Choose Urea?

Urea is not always the perfect choice. Its use as a global commodity as a fertilizer first carries a higher price tag for ice control. It also lacks punch in lower temperatures compared to rock salt. Snow Queen only uses urea when the temperatures remain warmer than -8 Celsius in the Metro Vancouver area.

Property managers should always use urea (or another rock salt-free option) if they have freshly poured concrete or lots of exposed metal. There are many studies showing that the short-term increased price of urea pays off with reduced maintenance.

Millions of people still use rock salt today but there are better options for your particular situation or concerns. Urea ice melter is a Canadian product that provides a friendly alternative option for pets, the environment, and long-term maintenance costs.

Our All Inclusive Features

We offer an extensive array of service features, at no additional cost. These features lead to a hassle free experience and provides confidence that we know the conditions on your property.