5 Things To Know Before Hiring A Snow Removal Company

Hiring a snow removal service could be a difficult job, especially if you don't know the necessary qualities that you should be looking for. Heavy snowfall causes snow to settle on roads and driveways, hence, blocking them, and driving on icy roads is very dangerous. Therefore, the snow should be removed well in time to avoid any mishaps.

Obviously you can take a shovel and start clearing your driveway, lawn and around the house, but it’s really a very tiresome task, and not to mention, risky. The better option is to find a snow removal company and hire them to do the job for you. But, how to find a really good company without any risk of scams? Following are some tips that you must keep in mind while hiring a snow removal.

1. Start looking for the company during offseason: Off-season is the best time to book the service because most of the landscaping service providers offer service during this period and have an extensive list of customers already booked when the winter arrives. If you are planning to wait for the snow to pile up and then you will call them, you should probably start practicing with the shovel. 

2. How to begin the search?: The best way to start searching for such companies is to ask your neighbors, relatives, friends or other known people living in your area. Search on the internet, newspapers, etc., and read reviews. 

3. Questions that you should ask before hiring: This is the most important thing, and it usually skips from our mind. You are going to hire a company, so you need to know if the are suitable for the job or not. Ask them these questions before hiring them.

- Ask them for the snow level that triggers their service. And if it’s higher than what you need, consider changing the company.

- Ask them about the charges. Check the estimate properly and see what services they would be providing you and at what costs. Also, ask for any additional costs.

- Tell your special needs (if any) in advance. Ask for their working procedure and suggest some changes if needed. Remember! You are the customer. Your needs should be prioritized. 

4. Check the company’s license before hiring: There are many fraud companies out there, just waiting to take your money. Don’t fall for such scams. Ask to check the license and ONLY hire a company with a proper license for the services that they provide. Their services would be costly as compared to the scam companies, but it would be hassle free and worth it.

5. Get a written contract: Another very crucial part is to settle the agreement. Even if it’s a licensed company, don't trust a verbal agreement over the telephone. Get proper paperwork done and have a face to face conversation. 

Even though we have told you the most important things to keep in mind while hiring a snow removal service company, still it’s difficult to trust any unknown company with your money. That’s where SameDayPros come in. We have the best and licensed pros waiting to be at your service on the same day.  

11 crazy hacks for easy snow removal

Snow removal is usually the biggest worries of homeowners during winters. It makes you more prone to injuries and is a cumbersome task that you have to deal with every time it snows.

But here are 11 hacks that can help you with snow removal. Check these out!

1. Is there snow on your car? Instead of scraping it off the windows, spray a mixture of vinegar and water. The ice will melt off.
2. While shoveling, put a thin layer of cooking oil on the shovel. It’ll prevent the ice from sticking to the shovel and make the whole task much easier.
3. If you don’t want to use salt, which is a good thing as salt can damage your sidewalks, then make a DIY de-icer. Use a mixture of rubbing alcohol, dishwashing liquid, and water as a replacement for your regular de-icer.
4. Dress well before you start shoveling. Wear adequate amount of clothes to save yourself from cold. Wear shoes that are not slippery and wear more than one pair of socks. Wear gloves and a cap.
5. Warm up before you start shoveling. Don’t shovel if you already have back problems. You can hire a snow removal hagerstown company using Same Day Pros. It’ll help you get rid of all worries related to snow removal.
6. If you're hiring a pro, make sure you hire a licensed company that has an insurance and workman's compensation proof.
7. Read the contract terms carefully as it will decide how many times the service will remove snow in a season (if you’re hiring on a seasonal basis), when it will work and how thick the layer of snow should be before they remove it off.
8. Back to shoveling. Bend from your hips, rather than your back. Your legs should bear your weight. Remember it to avoid back injuries. 
9. Use a good shovel. Go to a local store and pick a shovel that’s suitable to the kind of snowfall that happens in your area.
10. Never procrastinate when it comes to shoveling. The thinner the layer of snow, the easier it would be to shovel.
11. Remember that you don’t always have to shovel. Either you can use better equipment like a snow blower or hire a pro to take care of snow removal for you.

It’s not a choice. It’s a necessity. You need to get rid of the snow as thick layers of snow outside your house is unsafe for you and even your neighbors. Just stay careful while you work, try to avoid injuries and be consistent.

Snow Removal - Should You Do It Yourself Or Hire A Service?

Choosing to do it yourself when it comes to snow removal might save a few dollars, however it is important to be aware of certain safety issues and to remember that removing snow is hard, physical work and it is wise to take care, especially those who might not have one hundred percent physical fitness.

A 2011 emergency room study in Ontario, Canada, saw a seven percent increase in heart attack victims when the person had been shoveling snow, not to mention the number of back injuries that take place from doing this task.

If you choose to do this job yourself, make sure to stick to the following safety tips:

Hydrate - Don’t start work until you have hydrated properly. Warm fluids in a thermos while you are working is also a great idea.

Warm up - Be sure to do some stretching before heading out to warm up your muscles.

Ask for Help - If you can, ask a neighbor or your older kids to help. You may want to consider a snow removal in columbia service for the harder jobs, like getting on the roof.

Take Care When Lifting - When bending down be aware of the strain on your back. When lifting snow on the shovel, use your legs to lift, this alleviates stress to your back.
Just thinking about the injuries you could do to your back, it could be in your best interests to hire someone, a professional snow removal service. Before choosing a service, call them and ask about the following things:

Their equipment and services: Ask whether they use salt or other deicers when bad weather is on the way and what kind of service they offer, whether they plow your walkways and driveway.

How do they plan: Ask if they plan for what services will be needed, or if they visit your site in advance, so they can make plans on how to handle each snowfall and big storms.

Are if they a same day service: You want a service that can be there when you need them. So find out if they offer their services on-call or in case of an emergency.

How is the cost calculated: Find out the cost ahead of time and how you will be charged. Ask if it is a monthly charge and ask what each service will cost you. Most companies will give you a breakdown of their fees when you contact them for a quote.

You need to choose a snow removal service that do same day Pros. They are a national company who specialize in many different services. The also promise to deliver their services on the same day.

From Same Day Pros: http://bit.ly/28rMRmv

Snow Removal Tips & Tricks to Help You Save Time and Energy

Snowfall can begin without any regard to your personal schedule and ruin a lot of your plans. It may not sound like a problem if you have making a snowman on your to-do list. However, if you have other plans listed, you might need to clear path for your car and drive away safely. With snow removal, it pays to prepare. Starting with the right equipment and sticking to the time tested methods for snow removal is definitely among the most important factors. Here's some advice from the experts that will help you clear snow easier and faster, getting you through your routine in no time at all.

Snow Blower and Optimal Speed

If you're planning to use a snow blower, experts believe that speed matters a lot. While going slow will not provide you with enough distance for your arc of blowing snow, blowing fast will spill the snow out of the machine. So it is necessary to experiment with the blowing speed until you come across an optimal speed to blow away the snow.

Moreover, your snow clearing technique should also vary depending on the type of property you own. For instance, in driveways with two-way clearance, make sure you start with the middle and throw snow towards any one edge of the driveway. Later, come back to the other side and keep alternating paths to clear the snow on subsequent passes. Most often, a second pass is not required at all.

Blower safety

Taking care of blower operation safety terms is necessary to make sure that you do not get injured during the process. In fact, injuries due to carelessness during snow removal resulted in more than three thousand hospital visits in 2012. It is crucial that you take frequent breaks and avoid over exerting yourself in the process. Also, it is advised not to clean the auger with your hands.

Snow removal is not as easy as it sounds, and recurring snowfall can make it even more worse. In case you're not aware of the proper snow removal techniques or do not have the time to clean your driveway or parking lot yourself, hiring a professional snow removal service is your best bet.

From Same Day Pros: http://bit.ly/25C2J78

5 Reasons You Must Hire a Professional for Snow Removal

In some parts of the country, the blanketing of snowy white becomes unwelcome when it falls on an almost daily basis. Though snow may be a beauty to behold, it can also be dangerous and lead to injuries and even death. Instead of getting out the old shovel and carrying out back-breaking work to clear your lot, why not hire the professionals for snow removal ellicott city.

1. Snow removal professionals have the right equipment for removing snow and ice safely and effectively. The equipment that is used allows the lot's walkways, drives and patios to be cleared without causing any damage to the landscaping. By using a professional company for snow removal, homeowners can rest assured their property will be safe for their family members, guests, and pets.

2. A good snow removal company works before the snow begins to fall. Ideally, these professionals should visit the home prior to the snowfall to determine what type of equipment will be needed. Since these professionals can be hired seasonally, this means a homeowner will never have to worry about slippery drives and walkways throughout the snowy season.

3. Not only can a snow removal frederick services take care of snow, they can also remove ice. It is important homeowners check with the company to make sure they can also combat the issue of melting snow that refreezes and causes walkways and drives to become dangerously icy. A professional company should have an arsenal of ice treatment products to prevent ice from forming.

4. Professional snow removal companies work 24/7 to take care of their customer's needs. If a company does not work whenever there is a need, they are worthless to homeowners who want to be sure their property is safe and free of dangerous snow and ice. By hiring a professional through same day pros, homeowners can rest assured a snow removal expert will provide services the same day they are hired.

5. It is safer for homeowners to leave snow removal germantown to the professionals. Trying to carry out the work yourself can not only lead to back pain but can also put you at risk for slipping and falling which could lead to serious injuries. Homeowners should never put their lives in danger to remove snow when a professional can come out and safely take care of this chore for them.

If you live in an area of the country that is constantly bombarded with snow and ice, it would be in your best interest to contract with a professional who can work to keep your drives and walkways free of snow and ice so they are safe. Same day pros can help you find a professional to take care of the job quickly and efficiently.

From Same Day Pros: http://goo.gl/IWYPqD

7 Snow Removal Tips To Help You Survive Winter

While a fresh and thick blanket of snow is a breath-taking sight to many, the inescapable task of removing it is always a pain. Snow removal is not only an exhaustive task but also bring the risk of back injuries, damage to driveways, sidewalks and landscape.

If the upcoming winter season is already giving you fits because of the daunting task of snow removal, here are some tips to make it easy-going and keep you safe.

1. Use tall stakes around driveway, sidewalk and walkway:

While it may be obvious for you to locate your driveway, it isn’t an easy task for the company servicemen that might be employed for the task. Putting up tall stakes help them find your driveway and hence reduces the chance of harm to the landscape around your house. Keep this in mind if you don’t want to face a ruined yard in spring.

2. Invest in proper equipment:

In case you’re planning to do it all by yourself (Read: Snow Removal: DIY Vs Hire), we recommend that you buy a good quality equipment. While this advice may sound counter-productive for snow removal equipment isn’t required all the time of the year, but good quality equipment not only makes the work easier but also makes it safe. Go for a medium sized shovel with plastic or aluminium blade. For removing heavy snowfall, use an S-shaped shovel and for pushing and lifting fluffy snow, use a C-shaped shovel. A snow blower is the best investment you can make for this task.

3. Shovel often:

Shoveling is one of the most boring tasks ever. We agree. But if you wait for the snow to get a few inches thick before you start, you’re going to make the task much harder than it already is. Also, as the temperature would drop further, the snow would start sticking and form ice that is something you don’t want to happen.

4. Salt everything:

Even if you’re very regular and active in the snow removal task, ice has the keen ability to make its way, and it won’t come off until you use a de-icing product. Make sure to pick up the right one.

5. Select the right de-icing product:

Several de-icing products are available in the market to eliminate the slippery surfaces, but it is very profound to choose the right one as some de-icing products may damage the landscape or infrastructure. Sodium chloride is the least expensive choice but doesn’t work well below 25 degrees. Calcium chloride works well at below zero temperature and is less harmful to vegetation but at the same time, it leaves a slippery residue that is harmful to carpets, shoes, tiles and pets. Calcium magnesium acetate costs a fortune (not literally) but is environment-friendly and safe for pets, landscape and infrastructure. Urea is quite dangerous for the landscape. So, choose wisely.

6. Be gentle and don’t overdo it:

Instead of vigorously shaking the branches to get the snow off them, slightly brush off the snow. Wait for ice to melt naturally instead of scraping it. In case, you’re doing it all by yourself, take frequent breaks and keep yourself hydrated.

7. Save the foundation:

Be very careful about where you pile up the removed snow. Make sure to keep it away from the foundation of your house else you would have to face frozen pipes and foundation cracks. Getting these repaired can burn a hole in your pocket. So, it is better to avoid this.

Snow removal hasn’t been a thing you might want to do ever in your life, but it has to be done. It is better to do it the right way then repenting on your carelessness. Keep these tips in mind this winter.

From Same Day Pros: http://goo.gl/o1ggn3