Businesses and Commercial Properties That Would Benefit From Gritting Contractors

Here in the UK, the winter months can be testing. With shorter days, dark evenings and cold winds rattling you to the core, it’s safe to say that life feels that little bit harder when the sun’s away. What’s more, the unpredictability of the British seasons alongside the frost and ice can cause massive inconveniences to our lives, leading to delays, road closures, and in the worst instances, traffic accidents.

In addition to the implications of frost, ice and snow for individuals and commuters, adverse conditions can massively affect businesses and commercial properties, leading to compromised safety, as well as reduced custom if untreated.

It is under these conditions that it is absolutely necessary to take precautions to protect individuals, motor vehicles and businesses from the dangers of grit, ice and snow. Using a commercial gritting service such as GMCB Ltd is the only way to guarantee complete coverage, professional service, and maximum safety.

Here’s our guide to gritting for businesses and commercial properties.



How Does Commercial Gritting Work?

Put simply, commercial gritting services operate by spraying rock salt and grit onto road surfaces that are covered by snow or ice. This salt works by lowering the temperature at which moisture on the road freezes, preventing ice from forming and melting any existing frost or snow already on the road surface.

Gritting contractors, such as GMCB Ltd, use specialised gritting trucks to clear snow from the road and spray down a layer of salt and grit behind them. This grit then spreads further across the surface of the road as more traffic drives over it, distributing it evenly and melting away ice.

Often, roads will need to be gritted more than once in a short period of cold weather. This is common if sludge formed from old snow and melted ice begins to wash the salt off the road, allowing more ice to form.

Which Properties Need Winter Gritting?

Ice and snow can cause problems for establishments no matter their size. From a small independent shop to a huge supermarket or hospital, frosty conditions can prevent access, reduce safety and massively reduce profitability.

Winter conditions don’t discriminate, and there are a multitude of commercial properties and business types that may reap the consequences of improper surface preparation in colder weather.

Here are some common examples of properties that require gritting services.

Hospitals

The NHS and hospital services play a crucial role in the upkeep of our public health infrastructure in the UK. For these services, private or otherwise, to run smoothly and efficiently, the transport of workers, equipment, ambulances and deliveries must be maintained at all times.

Winter months and extreme weather conditions can have a hugely detrimental effect on the operation of emergency services; these areas are usually among the first to be gritted in snow or ice. Unfortunately, winter conditions also lead to higher levels of road accidents. Gritting the roads and entrances to hospitals guarantees safer access for emergency vehicles such as ambulances or paramedics, helping to save lives.

Supermarkets

Moreover, other commercial properties that require the expertise of gritting services are supermarkets. Like hospitals, food stores are essential services throughout the winter. Snow, ice and frost can limit access to meals and supplies.

This is especially difficult for the elderly and vulnerable as hazardous conditions caused by gritted roads can prevent them from accessing essential items.

By ensuring roads, carparks, entrances and exits are properly gritted throughout the winter, supermarkets and independent businesses alike can reduce the impact of colder weather on their profits and customer base.

Warehouse And Car Park Gritting

Another often overlooked use for commercial gritting services is in warehouse complexes and multi story car parks. It is a legal obligation of all private companies in the UK to ensure their premises (such as car parks, walkways and entrances) are kept as clear from snow, ice and front as possible.

As a private business or commercial property, gritting your premises is crucial as it ensures the safety of your staff and reduces the likelihood of legal issues in the event of injury.

Moreover, maintaining the proper running of logistical properties such as warehouses helps to minimise the economic effect of bad weather on your business, allowing you to continue operations and meet targets.

When Is Emergency Gritting Needed

When it comes to gritting roads, clearing access and protecting the safety of individuals, it is always best to plan ahead. However, here at GMCB Ltd, we understand that British weather is unpredictable and it is impossible to stay prepared at all times.

Fortunately, we offer emergency gritting services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If a sudden burst of cold weather leads to limited access or hazardous conditions, we are on hand to ensure the detriment to your property or business is minimised.

Why Is Gritting Necessary?

As a commercial property or essential service, proper preparation and gritting can massively reduce the negative effects of bad weather on the running of your business. Not only this, but services such as preventative gritting can actually improve the lifespan of a road or walkway.

If you’re still unsure whether gritting is necessary for your business or institution, here are just a few of the added benefits of using an expert gritting and clearance service.

Safety

Of course, top of the list is safety. As mentioned above, ice and snow on roads and walkways can cause tragic accidents and makes travelling in these conditions extremely dangerous. Icey surfaces prevent the tyres of vehicles from gaining traction and gripping the road’s surface, causing drivers to lose control of their cars.

Gritting roads massively improves the safety of travel, preventing skidding and reducing the chances of crashes and fatalities.

Road Health

Equally important but less considered is the impact of ice and snow on the health of roads and pavements. As freezing cycles occur within the UK, roads are subjected to extreme changes in temperature. As many roads are made from asphalt to allow flexibility in warmer months, they are less suited to winter and are more susceptible to damage during the colder seasons.

Through the expansion that occurs as a result of water freezing into ice, this shift can lead to cracking, erosion and the formation of potholes. Using gritting and snow removal services throughout the winter can massively reduce the damage caused by freezing rain or snow, keeping your surfaces in better condition, for longer.

Economy

Another of the most important reasons to utilise the services of a professional gritting company is the preservation of infrastructure to ensure accessibility to businesses and commercial property. No matter the weather, businesses need to supply their services and make profit to survive. Gritting services enable businesses and customers to travel as usual, in turn, contributing to the economy through purchasing, delivery and manufacturing products without delays and major setbacks.

GMCB Ltd: Commercial Gritting Services For Your Business

When it comes to gritting your premises, be it roads, pathways or entrances, you want to be sure that the job is done in a timely and efficient manner. That’s why it is crucial to choose a gritting service that is able to offer both preventative and reactive gritting.

Here at GMCB Ltd, our expert team is able to meet your needs, no matter the scale of your business. From small shops to commercial establishments in Central Scotland, we can provide the expertise, equipment and professionality that is required to keep your business running like clockwork.

Whether you require preventative work as the colder months roll in, or an emergency call-out after a burst of cold weather or snow, we can assist you. Our expert and friendly team are always on call to help.

If you are in need of efficient and effective gritting or snow clearance services, or have any questions regarding the services provided here at GMCB Ltd, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Visit our website or send an email to enquiries@gmcbltd.co.uk.