With winter storms just around the corner, many homeowners are already dreading the arduous and seemingly never-ending chores of shoveling, plowing, snow-blowing and de-icing. So what exactly does residential snow management entail in Riverdale, NY? Whether you’re interested in snow removal for the sake of convenience or for health or safety reasons, here’s what you need to know about what you can expect.
Related: A CHECKLIST FOR WINTER PROPERTY MAINTENANCE IN BRIARCLIFF MANOR, NY
First, is residential snow management worth the money? For many homeowners, the short answer is yes. If you factor in the time spent shoveling, snow-blowing, chipping away at stubborn ice, and applying and reapplying ice-melt (time that could be spent earning income), plus the cost of a snow blower (a necessity for long driveways) and ongoing costs of ice melt chemicals, gas, and snowblower maintenance, the cost of DIY snow removal can quickly add up. Aside from the financial impact, there is also the convenience factor of not having to shovel or run a snowblower when you’re already facing a slow commute due to bad weather. And finally, many homeowners choose to avoid snow removal for health reasons. Shoveling is physically demanding, and even pushing a snow blower through heavy accumulation is difficult and potentially dangerous.
A snow removal contract can give you peace of mind and make winter safer and much more enjoyable. Here are some services offered by snow management companies:
1. Snow Plowing: Plowing a longer driveway is much faster and more efficient than snow blowing. The cost will depend on the length of your driveway. If you have a snow removal contract in place, the plows will come automatically whenever a specified amount of snow has accumulated. If you don’t have a contract, you can call for as-needed services, but you may be asked to expect a wait, as customers with a contract will be serviced first.
Related: WHY PROFESSIONAL SNOW PLOWING INCREASES THE LONGEVITY OF YOUR PAVER DRIVEWAY IN YORKTOWN, NY
2. Snow Blowing: For lighter snow falls, As well as for shorter driveways and walkways, snow blowing services will often suffice. The application of de-icing chemicals may also be included in the contract. Be sure to specify who will provide the de-icer.
3. Roof Snow Removal: While most area roofs are built to handle a decent amount of snow, exceptionally heavy storms can severely test a roof’s load-bearing capacity. Aside from the weight of heavy snow, which in some cases can lead to a roof collapsing, ice dams can form, causing water to leak inside the home and cause significant damage. Not all snow management companies offer snow removal for roofs. So if this is a concern (if your roof is flat or only gently pitched), make sure that resident snow management companies offer this service. It will give you peace of mind knowing you don’t have to climb onto the roof with a shovel or rake and risk a substantial fall.
When you’re interviewing snow removal companies, ask about special concerns, such as snow removal (as opposed to plowing snow into a pile), the extra care needed for paver driveways that plows can damage, as well as the cost difference between contracted and on-demand (“per snow event”) services, to ensure you get the service you need at a price that fits into your budget. And finally, don’t hire a snow removal company that can’t offer proof of current insurance!
At Manzers, we have the crews and the equipment to handle all of your snow management needs this winter. If you’re ready to make winter easier and more enjoyable, give us a call!