Last week’s Halifax ice storm tested our energy, endurance, and patience. Our Nova Snow crews worked around the clock to ensure that driveways and walkways were free of ice for our customers. What made things more difficult were the lower-than-expected temperatures.
When temperatures fall below -6°C, salt becomes ineffective for melting ice. We used more than 10 tonnes of salt mixed with gravel, delivered in trailer loads, to accommodate customers around HRM.
A key part of avoiding icy build-up is thoroughly clearing snow. However, conditions can change very quickly, making ice unavoidable at times.
For conditions above -6°C, we use rock salt, and there is an art to spreading it. It’s important to spread just the right amount evenly, so the ice melts without over-salting and damaging hard surfaces. Understanding customer preferences is also crucial.
If temperatures drop below -6°C, as they did last week, we use a mix of sand and salt to provide traction until temperatures rise and the salt can melt the ice. Additionally, we use hand tools to break up ice in areas where water collects and forms large amounts of ice.
Safety is always a top concern for both our customers and employees, who are tasked with clearing the ice as quickly as possible.
