What to Expect From a Snow Removal Service 

When the weather takes a turn for the worse and snow starts to fall, it’s time to call in the snow removal service professionals. But what can you expect from your service contract? Will they be there to plow your driveway and sidewalks every time it snows? Or will you have to wait until the snow reaches a certain depth before they’ll come out? Here are some things to keep in mind when signing up for a snow removal service.

1. Do your research

Before you sign up for a snow removal service contract, do some research on the company and find out what services they offer. You may want to ask them during negotiations what their procedures are when it comes to plowing and shoveling driveways and sidewalks, as well as how many visits they plan to make each time it snows in order to rid your property of ice and packed snow.

2. Set guidelines for two types of service

Snow is heavy and can quickly cause damage if not cleared immediately after it falls from the sky. On top of that, with so much traffic occurring on roadways when the snow starts coming down, there’s likely to be tire-track marks in adjacent lawns and even in driveways. If you can afford it, ask your snow removal service company to provide two types of services when the weather turns ugly: immediate reactions to clear away falling snow and prevent accumulation, and second visits that follow after a certain time period in order to remove packed snow.

3. Prepare for unpredictable winter precipitation

Snowfall in areas near lakes, rivers, and oceans is typically prolonged because the moisture from large bodies of water increases air masses carrying moisture-rich air which results in more precipitation. Areas near mountains are even more inclined towards increased amounts of ice because cold winds blowing over elevated terrain cause freezing temperatures which promote the formation of ice crystals. It’s important to have a good idea about what type of winter precipitation may receive so you know what level of service to request from your snow removal company.

4. Schedule an initial site assessment

If you think the cost of regularly removing snow from your property is too costly, you can approach a local snow removal service company with the idea that they plow only once or twice after significant precipitation events in exchange for reduced rates throughout the rest of the season. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then it’s important that you schedule an initial site assessment with them at least one month before your first expected snowfall event so there aren’t any surprises when winter hits and it’s time to remove ice and packed snow from around your home.

5. Ask about emergency services

If severe weather hits without warning, such as during overnight hours when people are sleeping, and packed snow and ice need to be cleared away immediately, your regular snow removal service company might not be able to get there right away. If you think you may require emergency services in such cases, don’t hesitate to ask about them when you’re negotiating prices with a service provider.

Snow tends to pile up quickly during the winter months. For professional assistance keeping driveways and sidewalks clear of packed snow and ice so they can be navigated safely by pedestrians and motorists alike, contact a business like ours that specializes in snow removal services for homes and businesses.