Winter brings its own set of challenges, especially for commercial properties. Snow and ice accumulation can create hazardous conditions for employees, customers and anyone else who steps onto your property. One of the most effective ways to keep your property safe and accessible during the colder months is by salting the walkways, parking lots and entrances. Let’s explore the numerous benefits of salting commercial properties and why it’s an essential part of winter maintenance.
1. Enhanced Safety for Employees and Customers
Slippery surfaces are one of the leading causes of injuries during winter. For businesses, the safety of both employees and customers is paramount. Salting your property can prevent slips and falls by reducing ice formation, ensuring safer passage for everyone who enters or exits the building. This level of attention to safety not only reduces the risk of accidents but also helps avoid the potential for costly personal injury claims and lawsuits.
2. Improved Accessibility and Customer Experience
When a business maintains a well-treated walkway or parking area, customers can approach the property with confidence. Snow and ice can create an unwelcoming and hazardous appearance, but a salted, cleared property sends a message that a business cares about its customers’ experience. This creates a positive first impression and can encourage more people to visit, despite the cold weather conditions.
3. Reduction in Liability and Insurance Claims
Unmaintained, icy surfaces are a liability for any commercial property owner. If someone were to slip and fall on your property, it could result in an injury claim or even a lawsuit. Salting not only protects the physical wellbeing of customers and employees but also reduces the potential for costly insurance claims. Many insurance providers even recommend or require salting and snow removal as part of a comprehensive winter maintenance plan to limit risk and liability.
4. Preventing Damage to Property and Pavement
Ice buildup doesn’t only pose a danger to pedestrians; it can also cause damage to the property itself. When ice expands and contracts on pavements or concrete, it can cause cracks and potholes to form. These small damages can worsen over time, leading to expensive repairs in the future. Salting helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement, which minimizes the freezing and thawing cycle, extending the life of walkways, parking lots, and other paved surfaces.
5. Cost Savings in the Long Run
While salting does involve an initial expense, it’s a worthwhile investment. Preventative salting reduces the need for costly emergency snow and ice removal services and minimizes repair costs for damaged surfaces. In the long run, consistent salting helps maintain the integrity of your property, saving on maintenance and repair costs over the years.
6. Boosting Employee Morale and Productivity
A safe work environment promotes higher morale and productivity. Employees who feel safe and valued are more likely to be productive and motivated. By salting pathways and parking lots, you demonstrate that you prioritize the safety and comfort of your employees, especially those who have to arrive early or leave late when temperatures are lowest. A safer work environment can translate into improved overall performance and employee satisfaction.
7. Attracting Business During Inclement Weather
Harsh winter weather may deter people from venturing outside, but businesses that maintain clear, salted paths encourage foot traffic, even during inclement weather. A business that goes the extra mile to ensure easy access is more likely to retain customers and attract new ones. Salting not only shows commitment to safety but also gives customers a sense of trust and reliability in your business operations.
Best Practices for Salting Commercial Properties
To maximize the effectiveness of salting, commercial property owners should consider the following best practices:
- Pre-Treat Surfaces: Apply salt before snowfall when possible, as this can prevent snow and ice from bonding to the surface.
- Use the Right Salt Product: Different de-icing products work at different temperatures, so select one that suits the weather conditions in your area.
- Regularly Monitor and Reapply as Needed: Winter conditions can change rapidly, so monitor and reapply salt as necessary to maintain safety.
- Hire Professionals if Needed: Many commercial properties benefit from professional snow and ice management services to ensure thorough and consistent salting.