Deicing

Expertise You Can Trust

From backyard docks to large industrial ports, we provide proven deicing solutions to prevent ice build-up and protect structures. With decades of experience across Canada, the U.S., the Arctic, and beyond, our team understand the unique challenges of every environment.

We work with homeowners, marinas, municipalities and industries to design systems tailored to their needs. Whether you’re protecting a small boathouse or keeping a shipping lane open, we’ll help you choose the right system.

What is Deicing?

Deicing is the process of preventing ice formation in fresh or salt water. Ice build-up can damage property, interrupt operations, and create safety risks.

Deicing systems can protect:

• Residential docks and boathouses
• Marinas and waterfront facilities
• Municipal water infrastructure and ferry crossings
• Industrial pumping stations, ports, and barges

How Deicing Works

Ice prevention relies on the natural physics of water. Since water is heaviest at 4°C, deicing systems bring this slightly warmer bottom water to the surface, creating currents that stop ice from forming.
We use different technologies depending on your application:

• Bubbler Systems (Thawline & OctoAir): Circulate warmer water upward to protect docks, marinas and industrial structures.
• Impeller Deicers: Continuously move surface water to prevent surface ice build-up.

The Risks of Ice

Without protection, ice can cause serious property damage and costly repairs.
Common risks include:
Ice Expansion (Pressure): Expanding ice can trap boats and damage pilings, docks, and shorelines.
Ice Jacking: Water level changes cause ice to grip and lift structures.
Ice Flow Damage (Ice Shove): Spring winds push sheets of ice onto shore, damaging waterfront structures.
Tidal Ice Build-Up: Repeated freezing and stacking around structures in tidal zones can block access and disrupt operations.
Ice Jams: Broken ice accumulates in rivers or canals, restricting flow and causing sudden flooding.

Our Deicing Solutions

Thawline Bubbler Deicers

• Protect residential docks, marinas, and pilings
• Break ice pressure and reduce tidal build-up
• Keep ferry lanes and canals open

OctoAir Industrial Diffusers

• Create larger circular openings for municipal or industrial sites
• Protect hydro stations, intakes and pumping facilities
• Reduce shoreline damage from ice flows

Kasco Marine Impeller Deicers

• Flexible installations for residential or commercial settings
• Effective in rivers and marinas with natural currents
• Ideal for preventing ice jacking at docks and slips

Why Work with Us?

• Solutions for every scale, from residential docks to industrial ports
• Customs designs tailored to your site and budget
• Global experience in some of the harshest ice conditions
• Explore our Deicing Technologies Comparison Chart and Recommended Maintenance Chart for Deicers to find the best option for your needs.