What to Expect During a Winter Event: Our Commercial Snow & Ice Service Process

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A WINTER EVENT

Our Commercial Snow & Ice Service Process

Commercial snow service is not a single visit. Winter conditions change throughout an event—snowfall rates vary, traffic compacts snow into ice, wind causes drifting, and temperature swings can create refreeze.

This guide explains what to expect from PJT Snow Management before, during, and after a winter event, and how service is typically sequenced on commercial properties.

Service Area: Romeoville, Plainfield, Naperville, Crest Hill, Bolingbrook, Lockport, and Woodridge, IL

Commercial properties only.

Phone: 630-796-4413

FIRST: PRIORITY AREAS (SERVICE SEQUENCING)

On commercial sites, some areas must remain accessible first. During active conditions, service is typically sequenced so critical areas are addressed before less critical zones—then the full scope is completed as conditions allow.

Common priority areas include:

• Building entrances and main pedestrian routes

• Main travel lanes and key access points

• Fire lanes and designated safety routes (where applicable)

• Loading/receiving routes (when applicable)

• Known refreeze zones (runoff areas, shaded spots, slopes)

BEFORE THE EVENT (WHEN CONDITIONS WARRANT)

Depending on the forecast and site needs, preparation may include:

• monitoring weather conditions and timing

• confirming site notes that affect access (gates, dock schedules, priority zones)

• planning for ice risk (refreeze, freezing drizzle, runoff)

Pre-salting may be performed when conditions indicate elevated ice risk. The goal is to improve traction and help reduce bonding before snow/ice builds—especially in priority areas such as entrances, pedestrian routes, and known refreeze zones.

DURING THE EVENT (ACTIVE CONDITIONS)

During an active event, service decisions are based on:

• current and forecasted conditions

• snowfall rate, drifting, and traffic compaction

• site access and safety considerations

• the property’s priority areas and operational needs

What you can typically expect:

• Plowing focuses first on keeping access routes open and safe for vehicle circulation

• Sidewalks/entrances are addressed based on the site’s pedestrian exposure and priorities

• Additional visits may occur when conditions warrant (especially for our enhanced risk reduction service plans)

ICE MANAGEMENT (DE-ICING) DURING “IN-BETWEEN” CONDITIONS

Ice is often the bigger issue than snow, especially during:

• thaw/refreeze cycles

• temperature drops after daytime melt

• freezing drizzle

• runoff from plow piles, roofs, and gutters

Ice control is typically applied to priority risk areas such as:

• entrances and pedestrian routes

• high-traffic zones

• known refreeze areas

Depending on the plan and billing structure, ice management may be billed per application or structured for predictability under a seasonal plan.

AFTER THE EVENT (CLEANUP & STABILIZATION)

After precipitation ends, the goal is to stabilize the site and reduce refreeze risk:

• complete clearing per scope where needed

• address drift and compaction zones

• maintain access at entrances, pedestrian routes, and main lanes

HOW SERVICE LEVELS AFFECT WHAT YOU SEE ON SITE

Service level determines how proactive the plan is when conditions change.

• Standard Service is typically scope-defined and cost-controlled.

• Enhanced Risk-Reduction is designed for more proactive attention and as-needed follow-up when conditions shift (drifting, compaction, refreeze, and changing temperatures).

• Tailored Plans are built for unique sites or specific operational requirements.

If you’re not sure which plan fits your property, we’ll recommend the right level based on your traffic, priorities, and risk exposure.

SAFETY & PROFESSIONALISM is built into our quality of work. Through ongoing training and continuous improvement for crews and management, we focus on consistent execution and professional site practices that support safer access and reduced liability exposure.

NEXT STEP

If you want a clear plan for your property, the best next step is a quick conversation to confirm fit and priorities. If we’re a fit, we schedule a walkthrough to confirm priority areas then establish a plan.

Phone: 630-796-4413

Email: info@pjtsnowmanagement.com