Ice Is the Hidden Danger
Freeze-thaw cycles create black ice on driveways and walkways — often invisible until someone falls. Snow removal alone doesn't solve it. Ice forms from meltwater refreezing, compacted snow pack, and overnight temperature drops that turn puddles into skating rinks.
In cold climates, the most dangerous ice conditions typically occur in March and April when daytime temperatures climb above zero, melting snow, and nighttime temps drop back to -10°C or lower. This daily cycle creates layer upon layer of ice that gets progressively harder to manage.
7mm rock chips provide mechanical traction on icy driveways — effective at any temperature, unlike chemical de-icers that stop working below -20°C.
Slip-and-Fall Statistics
There are thousands of winter slip-and-fall injuries annually, with January and February being the highest-risk months. Seniors are particularly vulnerable — a hip fracture from a fall on an icy driveway can be life-altering. Proactive sanding is the most cost-effective prevention.
Our Sanding & De-Icing Methods
We use two complementary approaches depending on conditions. For sustained traction, 7mm washed rock chips are applied across driveways and walkways — they provide grip regardless of temperature and last through multiple freeze-thaw cycles. For active ice melt, calcium chloride pellets are applied to steps, walkways, and high-traffic areas. Calcium chloride works down to -30°C and generates heat as it dissolves, making it far more effective than standard rock salt in extreme cold.
7mm washed chip sanding for long-lasting traction on driveways
Calcium chloride de-icer for steps, walkways, and entry areas
Effective down to -30°C — built specifically for winters
Driveway, front walk, side walk, and entry steps all covered
Per-visit or bundled with seasonal snow removal contract
Same-day service available for emergency ice events after warm chinooks
Eco-friendly options available — calcium chloride is less harmful to vegetation than rock salt
Spring cleanup of accumulated chips included in seasonal contracts
Protect Your Family
Slip-and-fall injuries spike in January and February when ice is at its worst. A proactive sanding schedule keeps your property safe for family, guests, delivery drivers, and anyone accessing your home all winter long.
Why Chips Beat Salt
Standard rock salt (sodium chloride) stops working below -12°C and corrodes concrete. Our 7mm chips provide traction at any temperature, and calcium chloride works down to -30°C without the concrete damage.
Pricing
Sanding and de-icing pricing for residential properties:
- • Per-visit sanding (standard driveway): $40–$75
- • Add-on to snow removal visit: $25–$50
- • Seasonal sanding contract: fixed monthly rate with unlimited applications
- • Steps & walkway de-icing only: $25–$40 per visit