Why Storage Facilities Need Specialized Snow Removal
Snow removal at a storage facility is not the same as clearing a retail parking lot or an office building. Storage facilities have layout characteristics that demand specialized planning and equipment:
- Narrow drive aisles between building rows that limit the size of plow equipment
- Roll-up doors on both sides of drive aisles that can be damaged by plows pushing snow too close to buildings
- Gate and keypad access systems that must remain clear and functional for tenants
- 24/7 tenant access meaning the facility needs to be passable at all hours, not just during business hours
- Heavy vehicle traffic from trucks and trailers that need more traction and wider cleared paths than passenger cars
A snow removal contractor who treats your storage facility like a standard parking lot will create problems. Snow pushed against unit doors blocks tenant access. Plows that scrape too close to buildings damage door tracks and weather seals. Uncleared gate areas prevent tenants from entering the facility at all.
Unique Challenges at Storage Facilities
Narrow Aisle Clearance
Most storage facility drive aisles are 25 to 35 feet wide. That sounds like plenty of space until you account for a plow truck that is 8 to 10 feet wide trying to push snow to the side without damaging unit doors or pushing snow up against buildings.
The solution is using appropriately sized equipment. Skid steers with plow attachments and compact loaders work better in tight storage facility aisles than full-size plow trucks. They are more maneuverable and give the operator better visibility of nearby structures.
Gate Access Points
Storage facility gates are the single most critical access point. If the gate area is not cleared promptly:
- Tenants cannot enter the facility
- The gate mechanism can freeze or jam if snow packs around the track
- Keypads and card readers can be buried or damaged by snow and ice
Gate areas should be the first priority in any snow removal plan. Pre-treating the gate track and surrounding pavement with de-icer before storms helps prevent ice buildup that can jam the mechanism.
Tenant Access Around the Clock
Unlike an office building that can be cleared before 7 AM and left until the next morning, storage facilities may have tenants arriving at any hour. This means:
- Plowing must happen in multiple passes during extended storms, not just once after the snow stops
- De-icer needs to be reapplied as it gets diluted by ongoing snowfall
- Drive aisles need to remain passable even during active plowing operations
- Communication with tenants about conditions is important during major storms
How JCPM Handles Storage Facility Snow Removal
At JC Property Maintenance, we manage snow removal for storage facilities throughout the Salt Lake Valley. Our approach is tailored to the specific needs of storage properties:
Pre-Storm Preparation
- Site-specific snow plans that map plow routes, snow stacking locations, and priority clearance areas for each facility
- Pre-treatment of gate areas, office entrances, and high-traffic drive aisles with magnesium chloride before the storm arrives
- Equipment staging so crews can begin clearing your facility as soon as trigger depths are reached
During-Storm Operations
- Continuous plowing during extended storms to keep aisles passable rather than waiting for the storm to end
- Compact equipment for narrow aisles, with full-size trucks handling larger parking areas and entrance roads
- Gate and keypad clearance as a first priority with each pass
- De-icer application at unit door thresholds where tenants walk to prevent slip hazards
Post-Storm Cleanup
- Snow stacking relocation if piles encroach on tenant access areas or block drainage paths
- Final de-icer application to prevent refreeze as temperatures drop overnight
- Damage inspection of door tracks, building edges, and pavement for any plow contact
Pre-Treatment Strategies for Utah Storms
Pre-treatment is one of the most effective tools for storage facility snow management. Applying liquid magnesium chloride or brine solution to pavement before a storm prevents the initial snow layer from bonding to the surface. This makes plowing more effective and reduces the amount of de-icer needed after the storm.
When to Pre-Treat
- When the forecast calls for snow, freezing rain, or overnight temperatures below 32 degrees with wet pavement
- 2 to 4 hours before the expected start of precipitation for best results
- Reapply if the storm is delayed more than 12 hours, as traffic and evaporation reduce effectiveness
Where to Pre-Treat at Storage Facilities
- Gate entry and exit areas (highest priority)
- Office entrance and customer parking
- Drive aisle intersections where vehicles slow down and turn
- Ramps or sloped areas where traction is critical
- Pedestrian walkways between buildings
Pre-treatment is especially valuable at storage facilities because it reduces the need for aggressive plowing near unit doors and buildings. When snow does not bond to the pavement, it can be cleared more gently with less risk of equipment damage to the facility.
Choosing the Right Snow Removal Partner
When evaluating snow removal contractors for your storage facility, ask these questions:
- Do you have experience with storage facilities specifically? The layout challenges are real, and inexperienced crews cause damage.
- What size equipment will you use? Full-size plow trucks in narrow aisles are a recipe for door and building damage.
- What is your response time and trigger depth? Storage facilities need faster response than many commercial properties due to 24/7 access.
- Do you pre-treat? Pre-treatment is not standard with every contractor, but it makes a significant difference at storage facilities.
- How do you handle gate areas? This should be a priority item, not an afterthought.
JC Property Maintenance provides specialized snow removal services for storage facilities across the Salt Lake Valley. Contact us at (801) 406-3543 to set up a snow removal contract before the season starts.