Ice Control

What This Service Involves

Ice control is about timing, and in Western Washington the timing is dictated by rain that lingers on pavement and then freezes as skies clear at night. We apply deicing materials before the temperature crosses freezing so the bond between ice and pavement never fully forms. Our crews prioritize the shaded north-facing walkways and low spots where cold air settles and black ice hides. Because our winters rarely bury the region in snow, precision matters more than horsepower here. We calibrate spreader rates to the actual pavement temperature, avoiding the waste and corrosion that come from over-application.

Benefits

Breaks the ice-to-pavement bond before it can set; Targets the shaded and low-lying spots where PNW ice hides; Calibrated application avoids wasted material and corrosion; Keeps entrances and routes open during clearing-sky freezes

Our Process

1) Read pavement temperature and dew point against the incoming forecast; 2) Prioritize shaded, north-facing, and low-elevation trouble zones; 3) Apply calibrated deicer ahead of the freeze line; 4) Reinspect after the cold snap and retreat as needed

What Affects the Cost

Pavement surface area requiring active control; Frequency and severity of overnight freezes; Type of deicer matched to expected low temperatures; Accessibility and layout of shaded problem areas; Whether on-call reactive visits are included

Best Time of Year

Ice control is most active from November through February, peaking whenever clear overnight skies follow a wet, cold day across the Puget Sound lowlands.