When most people in Chilliwack think about winter maintenance, snow plows usually come to mind first. But for businesses, ice—not snow—is often the bigger threat. Black ice on a parking lot, loading dock, or stairway can lead to slips, vehicle crashes, and liability claims long after a storm has passed. That’s why property managers across the Fraser Valley need a clear strategy for ice control, and it starts with understanding the difference between de-icing and salting (anti-icing).
De-Icing vs. Salting: What’s the Difference?
- Anti-Icing (a.k.a. Salting in advance): Anti-icing means applying chemicals like 23% NaCl brine or MgCl2 brine with inhibitor before a storm. The goal is to prevent the bond between snow/ice and pavement. When done correctly, ideally 8–12 hours before precipitation, a brine sprayer truck or walk-behind drop spreader lays down a thin, uniform film that makes plowing faster and reduces how much salt is needed afterward.
- De-Icing: De-icing happens after snow and ice have already bonded to the surface. Crews apply rock salt (NaCl), flake CaCl2, CMA pellets, or other de-icers to break the bond and melt accumulations. De-icing consumes more material, works slower, and can leave surfaces slick until the chemicals penetrate.
In short: Anti-icing is proactive. De-icing is reactive.
Pros & Cons for Businesses
| Method | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
| Anti-Icing (Salting in advance) | Prevents bond, reduces total chemical use, safer during storm, lowers long-term cost | Requires accurate forecasting and equipment (brine tank, spray bar, controller calibration) | Wide-open areas like parking lots, airport runways, arterial roads |
| De-Icing | Immediate solution for icy spots, flexible (works even if storm prep was missed) | Higher chemical use, greater chloride runoff, slower to restore bare pavement | Loading docks, stairs, sidewalks, intersections, bridge decks |
When to Use Which
- Pre-treatment (Anti-icing): Ideal before a forecasted freeze-thaw event, especially on asphalt roadways, concrete sidewalks, and multi-level parking structures.
- Post-storm De-icing: Necessary after plowing when compacted snow remains, or for spot treatment on ADA curb ramps, stairs, and truck aprons.
- Combination: Many property managers use brine pre-treatment for parking lots, then follow with pre-wetted salt (rock salt sprayed at the chute with brine) after plowing. This reduces bounce, improves coverage uniformity, and minimizes residual salt waste.
Why DIY Isn’t Enough
A few bags of rock salt and a shovel might work for a small storefront, but for commercial and industrial properties in Chilliwack, it’s not enough to keep people safe or operations running smoothly.
At Fraser Valley Contracting, we’re not a big corporate snow company — we’re local, family-owned, and focused on practical solutions that work. That means:
- Right-sized equipment: From plows to salters, we have the tools to handle large parking lots, loading docks, and walkways quickly and effectively.
- Experienced crews: Our team knows how to apply materials properly and adjust to changing weather so your site stays safe.
- Balanced approach: We use enough salt to prevent ice buildup without overdoing it, helping reduce both costs and environmental impact.
- Dependable service: When winter hits, we show up on time and get the job done — no overcomplicated systems, just reliable results.
How Fraser Valley Contracting Handles Ice Management
At Fraser Valley Contracting, we know that ice is often the biggest risk for businesses in Chilliwack. Our team focuses on practical, dependable solutions that keep commercial sites safe and accessible all winter.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Reliable scheduling: When snow or ice is in the forecast, our crews are ready to respond on time.
- Tailored service: We match treatments to each property, whether it’s a parking lot, loading dock, or walkway.
- Efficient equipment: From salters to plows, we use the right tools to cover large areas quickly and reduce downtime for businesses.
- Around-the-clock support: Winter weather doesn’t keep business hours, so we’re available 24/7 during snow events.
The Bottom Line for Chilliwack Businesses
Ice is often more dangerous than snow, especially with the freeze-thaw cycles we see throughout the Fraser Valley. Choosing between de-icing and salting isn’t just about throwing down more salt. It’s about taking a proactive approach that keeps people safe, protects property, and helps businesses stay open through the winter.
At Fraser Valley Contracting we’re a local, family-run team that understands the challenges businesses face in Chilliwack. From retail plazas to warehouses and municipal sites, we provide dependable ice control and snow management so you can focus on running your business — not worrying about slippery walkways or liability claims.
Partner with Fraser Valley Contracting for reliable commercial snow and ice management across Chilliwack and the Fraser Valley.
