---
title: Commercial Snow and Ice Removal FAQs | MCS & Chain Store
description: Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about commercial snow and ice removal to ensure your program’s success.
image: https://blog.mcsgo.com/hubfs/winter-day-office-building-1372065144.jpg
---

![winter-day-office-building](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hubfs/winter-day-office-building-1372065144.jpg)

Get ahead of winter > Make sure your commercial properties are prepared for the coming snow season with expert answers to the most common snow and ice removal questions.

Trust [Chain Store Maintenance](https://www.chainstore.com/?__hstc=227823554.238a43feb9f958ccdf558aad0f8e57dc.1697751017503.1752250873315.1752260268493.1228&__hssc=227823554.1.1752260268493&__hsfp=1913391899) for  
Reliable, Immediate Commercial Snow & Ice Removal Services

[**![Chain Store logo.png](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Chain%20Store%20logo.png.webp?width=314&height=93&name=Chain%20Store%20logo.png.webp)**](https://www.chainstore.com/?__hstc=227823554.238a43feb9f958ccdf558aad0f8e57dc.1697751017503.1752250873315.1752260268493.1228&__hssc=227823554.1.1752260268493&__hsfp=1913391899)

**When should I start planning for snow and ice removal?**

To ensure your program’s success, your snow and ice removal request for proposal (RFP) should be completed by early to mid-summer. Use this [timeline](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hubfs/Commercial-Snow-Removal-Timeline-062123.pdf) to help your team plan.

**What’s included in a typical snow and ice removal RFP?**  
Your snow and ice removal RFP should include** **site maps and push maps, your service expectations and timelines, communication and reporting expectations, confirmation of liability coverage, and any requirements that go beyond typical industry standards, such as having snow hauled away versus the typical push process. Dive deeper into the [essentials of a snow and ice removal RFP](https://blog.mcsgo.com/7-musts-for-your-snow-removal-rfp).

**How is snow and ice removal pricing determined?**

There are four common pricing models: Per-occurrence/per-push, per-event, seasonal, and time and materials. Explore the models in our [snow and ice removal ebook](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hubfs/Snow-Ice-Removal-eBook-CSM-2024.pdf).

**What are the options for de-icing agents?**  
Salt, brine, sand, urea and acetates are the most commonly used deicing agents. Check out this [chart](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hubfs/CSM-Deicer-Comaparison-0624.pdf) to help you choose the best option(s) for your business.

**How do you prioritize which areas to clear first?**

Certain areas—entrances, fire lanes and paths that ensure ADA accessibility—should be prioritized. Other areas to consider prioritizing may include drive-thru and walk-up windows, as well as any adjacent paths and waiting areas, and designated spaces for curbside services.

**Why is it smart to hire a provider with Certified Snow Professionals?**  
A partner with [Certified Snow Professionals](https://www.sima.org/getcsp) has demonstrated their ability and commitment to safe and effective snow and ice removal practices. Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) certification demonstrates their commercial snow removal expertise in six key areas: the science of snow and ice operations, operations management, risk management, sales and estimating, business management and human resources.

**How should a snow and ice removal partner respond during extreme weather events?**

Your partner should provide consistent and timely pre-storm communications, keeping you up to date on the latest weather conditions and [potential risks](https://blog.mcsgo.com/snow-removal-risk-mitigation). If you or your internal teams need updates after a snow event, include a request for post-storm communications that contains snowfall accumulation levels in your RFP as well.

### Looking for a snow and ice removal partner?

The team at Chain Store Maintenance – an MCS Company, can work with you to meet all of your commercial snow and ice removal needs. Contact your Chain Store account representative or email [CSMsales@ChainStore.com](mailto:CSMsales@ChainStore.com) to learn more.

[![TIME TO START PLANNING! Snow Removal Best Practices Get Our Commercial Snow & Ice Removal Strategies Now For a Successful Winter Season.](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/22370842/interactive-170095679344.png) ](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJGEQ5XF4dqtTb%2BIGih38wglzGS87f0DrfX9mH%2BVqGd6M8o2WnP3ihqe%2FYTqAUldnv%2Fd33PczN%2FAZh3W0fSIpxr2f9mnBUpl%2B9i340afdEAI9z2rA%2FwutvZk6J4MRlDVL%2Bga1en1soHrfQizomE9tJ3f9nmq2wTfGBqStDPCGPsIAWNme90oRVZzslksSIauI%2FeRNskpmnO6rcpuouSDA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=170095679344&portalId=22370842)

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[Commercial Property Services](https://blog.mcsgo.com/tag/commercial-property-services) [Exterior Maintenance](https://blog.mcsgo.com/tag/exterior-maintenance) [Commercial Snow Removal](https://blog.mcsgo.com/tag/commercial-snow-removal)

### [Snow Removal Checklist: 7 Items to Ensure a Successful Snow Season](https://blog.mcsgo.com/snow-removal-checklist)

A well-run multi-site snow removal program is essential for operating your commercial properties safely and efficiently in winter weather. Is your snow removal program...

![Tom Snyder](https://blog.mcsgo.com/hs-fs/hubfs/T.%20Snyder%203.png?width=45&name=T.%20Snyder%203.png) 

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### [8 Best Practices for Commercial Snow and Ice Removal RFPs](https://blog.mcsgo.com/best-practices-for-commercial-snow-and-ice-removal)

With the temperatures rising snow might be the last thing on your mind right now, but it shouldn’t be. Early summer is the best time to start thinking about selecting...

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