CLEARING SNOW: METHODS AND TECHNIQUES

As everyone knows, when snow falls, the city faces a problem that needs to be solved in the best and quickest way possible. We have to learn to live with this natural phenomenon in order to minimise its impact on city life as much as possible. But how do we go about clearing snow and spreading salt?

1. Clearing snow: tackling ice

The right techniques and methods are required in order to tackle the formation of ice. Below we provide some tips and information on how to prevent and deal with the formation of ice:

Obviously, before spreading salt, the surface involved needs to be cleared in the best possible way. Then, salt should only be applied if very cold weather is expected (sub-zero temperatures) or after a snowfall, after clearing any fresh snow, as salt has no effect on fresh snow.

2. Tackling ice: the next steps

Next, a maximum of 20 grammes of salt per square metre should be spread and not exceeded because salt corrodes asphalt and concrete. The quantity can only be increased if the thickness of the ice is more than 3 centimetres.

Finally, it is important not to use salt near flowerbeds, plants or green areas, since the vegetation could be seriously damaged.

3. Spread less to spread better

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, the indiscriminate spreading of salt on roads defeats the purpose because it leads to an excessive use of salt. This results in an increase in annual costs, and in the degree of corrosion of infrastructures and vehicles in transit.

To guarantee safe maintenance in winter, the following aspects require consideration: the optimisation of preventive/corrective treatment operations and the management of operational resources.

This optimisation of operations is needed to achieve maximum efficiency of the treatment, using as little de-icing material as possible.

Explore all our solutions for clearing snow and ice on roads, in squares and on other thoroughfares.