Snow Blowers

Who wants to discuss landscaping when snow removal is at the top of your mind or vice versa? As you can see from this picture there is lots of snow to get rid of from this persons driveway. The last thing on the owner’s mind is lawn care or perhaps even springtime. He is so unhappy about the snow that has to be moved that he hired a snow removal company to clear his driveway for him. Saving a lot of time and frankly back-breaking work.

Never the less there is an opportunity for both the homeowner. Also for the business owner who provides both landscaping and snow removal services. Business owners who provide both services can lock up contracts with customers year-round. They can combine contracts and provide discounts for combined services and repeat customers. This is a business opportunity that should be explored. The business owner already has a customer for the winter and has a mailing list as well. They also know that the customer may be open to considering contracting out some services. This is an opportunity for added business.

Landscaping and Snow Removal

While this site focuses on snow removal and snow blowers of all kinds we have come to the conclusion from reader comments and from reading online that there is a business opportunity that small business owners who are providing these services are missing. Take a look at your customers and assess which ones might be candidates for both services and then develop a package of services that are profitable for your business which potentially locks up your customers for the entire year.

Investors and lenders like to see lots of sales revenue and they like to see pre-sold services. This is a great marketing tool as well as a financial marketing tool when it comes to seeking financing to help with the purchase of additional equipment. Although much of the equipment is only used in one season or another, items such as vehicles are used year-round, and tractors like the one shown in this picture are also used year-round and they are expensive to purchase as well as maintain.

Business Opportunities

All of the baby boomers are getting older and less able to clear their own snow or do their own lawn mowing. This has to be a real opportunity for anyone in the business. Older boomers are less inclined to shovel snow or to run their own snowblower and clear snow in the wintertime. In addition, they are increasingly unable to push a lawnmower or dig up a garden. They want to remain in their homes and not move to an apartment. Anyone providing the services they are looking for will not only be able to make money as a business, but they will also be doing service as well by helping seniors remain in their homes and keep those homes looking great.

Don’t miss out on this great business opportunity! Take the time to figure out what services you want to offer and then market them to your existing customers. This is a known customer base, which should be satisfied with your service. If they are not satisfied, then you have more serious problems than just building more business.

Consumers like great service and they will be loyal to those businesses that provide great service at reasonable prices. Keep the customer happy and ensure that all of their needs are met. If you do you will have a good chance of having an all year round customer.

Can you get a discount from companies that provide both lawn care services in the summertime and snow removal services in the wintertime? Can you also get a discount from companies that provide snow removal services in the wintertime and snow removal from your rooftop when the snow gets really deep and threatens to bring down your roof or cause ice dams? You never know until you ask. Most companies will provide some form of discount if it means more business and especially if it carries clients from one season to another. Long term customers should also enjoy at least fixed rates to reward their loyalty and business.

These are the kinds of questions that many consumers want to know about when they are considering hiring snow removal companies. Most people are just too willing to accept the price quoted and are unwilling to negotiate or even ask for a discount. I have learned that the worse thing that will happen is that the person you are dealing with will say no. They may even apologize for saying no and you know they feel bad at this point. They really want to offer a discount but probably cannot since they do not have the authority, It just means you have asked the wrong person for your loyalty discount. Another favorite is to ask for a senior discount. That seems to work well also for many seniors.

Snow Removal As Well as Lawn Care

In this blog, we talked mainly about snow blowers, snow removal, and removal of snow from your roof when the storm gets really deep. But we also wonder whether the same companies will provide decent lawn care services in the summertime. It turns out that most of these companies do offer some form of summer lawn care or landscaping services. They provide seasonal services to ensure that they can stay in business and also keep good people with them throughout the year.

It never hurts to ask for a combination contract of lawn care and snow removal. You may start out with one contract for snow removal and then when summer comes along, negotiate a lawn care contract with a discount because you are a repeat customer. You might also resign a snow removal contract early while you sign up for a lawn care contract with suitable discounts for both. This is a great way for any company to secure business and lock it up year-round. All they have to do is a really good job and they have a satisfied customer with repeat business.

Steady Work

When companies lock up work like this it means they can keep their employees working all year long and their income stream is much more stable. If they happen to be applying for a loan to buy equipment, they can demonstrate to the bank that they have ongoing contracts that will sustain their business. There are advantages for both the consumer and the company in these situations and both parties should derive some benefit from this situation.

Lawn care and snow removal also utilize different equipment for their business which they must maintain and keep up. Many will also use some of their employees to conduct maintenance and repairs on this equipment during the offseason.

In addition, payment terms should be negotiated. Many companies are satisfied with multiple payments. If it is a snow removal contract, many will ask for 50% of the charge at the beginning of the season and 50% of the cost halfway through the season. The same should apply to the landscaping or lawn care services that are being provided. Never pay for everything upfront. If the company goes out of business, you have lost all of your deposit instead of just 50%!

The Honda Snow Blower HS928TA model is feature-rich with many options that consumer and commercial operators will appreciate. This is model – HS928TA

This particular model is a pull start and does not include an electric start option. As a result, Honda has introduced a decompression mode for an easy start every time.

Otherwise, the specifications and features are pretty much the same as the TAS model previously reviewed on this web site.  For example, major features include a powerful engine and hydrostatic transmission. Consequently, this provides a variable speed to match all kinds of situations including icy conditions, heavy snow, and transport. The treads will provide excellent traction on icy situations as well. Also, this model comes with a 3-year warranty for consumer and commercial users. As a result, this is one of the best warranties available.

We have not used this particular machine and invite readers who have to provide their comments. In addition,  you can also refer to the features list later in this post about the Honda snowblower model HS928TA.

Specifications:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc
• Starting System Recoil
• Fuel capacity 1.32 gal
• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• Clutch type Hydrostatic
• Wheel / Track Track
• Stages 2
• Chute Turning Radius 210º
• Clearing Width 28″
• Clearing Height 20.1″
• Discharge Distance 49 ft.
• Tons per Hour (max) 50
• Dimensions (L x W x H) 57.7″ x 28.5″ x 44.3″
• Dry Weight 243.0 lbs

Engine:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc

Transmission:

• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• In addition a Clutch type Hydrostatic

Warranty:

• Firstly a Residential Warranty 3 years
• Secondly a Commercial Warranty 3 years

Features:

• Powerful, easy to start Honda engine
• Track drive offers the best traction available
• Adjust the auger for unbeatable clearing ability.
• Self propelled, infinitely variable speed control hydrostatic drive train.
• Clear up to 50 tons per hour
• Reversible two position skid shoes for long life
• Easy to adjust snow deflection
• In addition, remote control chute adjusts up to 210 degrees of rotation and 70 degrees of elevation.
• Convenient control levers
• A single lever accurately adjusts ground speed without affecting auger rotation speed.
• Individual throttle and choke controls
• Ice breaking serrated auger
• Easily replaceable shear bolts.
• Designed to prevent icing -icing guard is built into the engine.
• Quieter operation-muffler deflector reduces noise levels.
• Exceptional throwing distance
• 28″ clearing width, 20″ clearing height
• Standard work light
• Easy to use interlocking drive/auger control
• “Glove friendly” fuel cap
• Automatic decompression for easy starting
• In addition, it has a Metal auger housing

Description of the Honda Snow Blower HS928TA

You may want to review the full feature list for this snow blower above. However, we wanted to mention that this snow blower features one handed controls allowing the operator to steer the machine. While adjusting various items with the other hand including chute rotation, direction, and ground speed. Therefore, note that ground speed adjustments do not change the auger speed or throwing capabilities.

This is another really great snowblower with many features that operators will appreciate. But the only issue we can see which may not bother many buyers is the lack of an electric starter. The writer has an electric starter on his own machine, a different model, and manufacturer. For example, we might have used the electric starter a dozen times over the past 10 years.

It includes information about delivery methods for your snowblower, go to our page General Snow Blower Information. For example, it includes accessories that you can purchase, safety rules to follow, proper operation, and maintenance information.

The Honda snow blower model HS928WA like all of the Honda snowblowers comes with many features that consumer and commercial operators will appreciate.

Two features not included in this model that you find on some others are the electric start and the track type propulsion system. As a result, this is a recoil start system or pull chord type only. However, with auto decompression they make it easier to start. Double-ply tires are included in this model. Other than that many of the features are the same as other models. For example, the hydrostatic transmission allows for an infinity variable ground speed to match snow conditions and or transport requirements. Regardless of the speed on the ground, the impeller and auger speeds will not change. As with most snow blowers you will need to regulate the forward speed with the snow load that you encounter.

This model also has one hand controls that allow you to steer the snowblower while adjusting the engine speed. In addition, the chute controls to direct the snow in the proper direction can also be adjusted by hand. As a result, he makes the job of clearing snow easy and efficient at the same time. Subsequently, read on for a complete list of specifications and also features for this model of snowblower.

Honda Snow Blower HS928WA – Specifications:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc
• Starting System Recoil
• Fuel capacity 1.32 gal
• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• Clutch type Hydrostatic
• Wheel / Track Wheel
• Stages 2
• Chute Turning Radius 210º
• Clearing Width 28″
• Clearing Height 20.1″
• Discharge Distance 49 ft.
• Tons per Hour (max) 50
• Dimensions (L x W x H) 57.7″ x 28.5″ x 43.9″
• Dry Weight 209.0 lbs
• Residential Warranty 3 years
• Commercial Warranty 3 years

Engine:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc

Transmission:

• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• Clutch type Hydrostatic

Warranty:

• Residential Warranty 3 years
• Commercial Warranty 3 years

Honda Snow Blower HS928WA Features:

• Powerful, easy to start Honda engine
• Pick the right speed for you – self-propelled, infinitely variable speed control hydrostatic drive train
• Clears up to 50 tons per hour!
• Reversible two-position skid shoes for long life
• Easy to adjust snow deflection – up to 210 degrees of rotation and 70 degrees of elevation.
• Convenient control levers – single lever accurately adjusts ground speed without affecting auger rotation speed.
• Ice-breaking serrated auger
• Auger drive is equipped with easily replaceable shear bolts.
• Durable 2-ply tires
• Designed to prevent icing
• Quieter operation
• Exceptional throwing distance
• 28″ clearing width, 20″ clearing height
• Standard work light
• Easy to use interlocking drive/auger control
• “Glove friendly” fuel cap
• Automatic decompression for easy starting
• Metal auger housing
• 3 year residential/commercial warranty

Description of the Honda Snow Blower HS928WA

This snow blower like all of the other Honda snowblowers comes with a three-year warranty for both consumers and commercial operators. As a result, they are confident of their product and provide a long warranty for even the frequent users of their equipment.

At twenty-eight inches in width, this snow blower can make short work of your driveway and parking lot. In addition, it has the ability to clear up to 50 tons per hour. It will not take long to clear all of the snow that you have to deal with.

Therefore take a look at all of the features listed for a complete review of this snow blower’s capabilities.

You can find more information about the delivery methods for your snowblower. For example, accessories that you can purchase, safety rules to follow, proper operation and maintenance information is all included. Therefore go to our page General Snow Blower Information, to read more about these topics.

The Honda snow blower  model HS928WAS is one step down from the TA models. For instance, it has tires instead of the trac drive treads. Other than that it seems to have all of the regular features that Honda snow blowers are known for. This includes an electric starter(you need to plug it into a wall outlet in your garage). Also, the hydrostatic transmission provides an infinitely variable speed transmission independent of the auger/impeller speed.  As a result, this is a great snowblower to consider.

It also has the regular pull chord start if you do not need to use the electric start or do not have an electrical outlet close by. They are easy to start with the pull chord, with the auto decompression capability that is built-in.

Consumers and commercial users will appreciate the 3-year warranty that comes with this model of a snowblower. They understand that commercial users will use these machines much more than consumers. However, the warranty will support this sort of daily use.

Honda Snow Blower HS928WAS Specifications:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc
• Starting System Electric/Recoil
• Fuel capacity 1.32 gal
• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• Clutch type Hydrostatic
• Wheel / Track Wheel
• Stages 2
• Chute Turning Radius 210º
• Clearing Width 28″
• Clearing Height 20.1″
• Discharge Distance 49 ft.
• Tons per Hour (max) 50
• Dimensions (L x W x H) 57.7″ x 28.5″ x 43.9″
• Dry Weight 220.0 lbs

Engine:

• Engine Honda GX270
• Displacement 270cc

Transmission:

• Drive Mechanism Hydrostatic, Infinitely variable
• Clutch type Hydrostatic

Warranty:

• Residential Warranty 3 years
• In addition a Commercial Warranty 3 years

Features:

• Powerful, easy to start Honda engine
• 120-Volt electric start
• Pick the right speed for you – self-propelled, infinitely variable speed control hydrostatic drivetrain.
• Clears up to 50 tons per hour!
• Reversible two-position skid shoes for long life
• Easy to adjust snow deflection – remote control chute on our two-stage blowers is easily adjustable, with up to 210 degrees of rotation and 70 degrees of elevation.
• Convenient control levers
• Ice-breaking serrated auger
• Auger drive is equipped with easily replaceable shear bolts.
• Durable 2-ply tires
• Designed to prevent icing – An icing guard is built into the engine.
• Quieter operation
• Exceptional throwing distance
• 28″ clearing width, 20″ clearing height
• Standard work light
• Easy to use interlocking drive/auger control
• “Glove friendly” fuel cap
• Automatic decompression for easy starting
• Metal auger housing
• 3 year residential/commercial warranty
• 3 year residential/commercial warranty

Description of the Honda Snow Blower HS928WAS

This snow blower comes with a quiet operation engine muffler. In addition, it has de-icing capability that protects the engine from snow and ice accumulating on the engine and on moving parts on the carburetor.

Easy start pull chord, automatic decompression of the engine to enable starting by pulling the chord are among the features that come with Honda snow blowers. They also allow one-handed control while the other hand is used to adjust snow throwing direction. In addition even the forward speed of the snowblower. Note that as you adjust the forwards speed the speed of the auger and impeller does not change.

Subsequently, we mentioned earlier this snow blower comes with double-ply tires instead of the tracks on other snow blowers from Honda.

For information about delivery methods for your snowblower check out our website. In addition to accessories that you can purchase, safety rules to follow, proper operation and maintenance information, go to our page General Snow Blower Information, to read more about these topics.

All home owners need to monitor the snow load on their roof tops during the wintertime. As you can see from this picture this particular roof is in urgent need of rooftop snow removal. It is needed to prevent the roof from caving in and causing huge damage to the home and the contents. Snow can be very heavy as it builds upon someone’s roof. However, the snowmelt or even rain that falls on a roof loaded with snow can dramatically increase the weight on the roof.  In addition, ice jams can form and then cause water leaks. Which can also do a lot of damage to the walls and interior contents of the home.

Heavy Snow Loads on a Roof Nee Rooftop Snow Removal

Heavy snows that are not accompanied by a lot of wind usually allow the snow to build upon the roof quite quickly. When heavy snowfalls, it is not uncommon for several feet of snow to be added to the snow load on a roof. This type of snow is not that heavy and the roof can usually support this lighter snow that accumulates on the roof. As the sun melts the snow, the water has nowhere to go but down deeper into the snow, and then it re-freezes. The new snow that falls adds to the increasing snow load and if another heavy snowfalls, the roof can begin to show signs of stress.

Often there will also be a spring thaw in the middle of winter with rain sometimes falling during a short period. All of the water from the rain is absorbed by the snow and adds quickly to the overall snow load. Accumulations of snow and rain can dramatically add to the snow load on a roof contributing to the increase in weight on the roof.

Signs of Roof Stress from Rooftop Snow Load

Sometimes the signs of stress on a roof are difficult to see. Most homes are finished inside and the homeowner cannot see signs of stress until something drastic occurs. If you suddenly see cracks in the walls or the walls are beginning to bulge out, then there is definitely something wrong. Another sign is the roof beams. If you can see these beams or get access to the attic, take a look at their status. If they are bending in any direction and you have a heavy snow load on the roof, chances are that they are getting near the point where you should really arrange for rooftop snow removal.

Rooftop Snow Removal

If you have a relatively flat roof and feel safe getting onto the roof, homeowners can get up on the roof to shovel off the snow. Take care not to damage the shingles. Since they are quite stiff and brittle in the cold. Sometimes just walking on them can crack the shingles leading to future leaks. Remove as much snow as you can. Shoveling it on to the ground as far away from the house foundation as you can.

Alternatively, you can use what is called a snow rake. Which is a scraper on the end of a long pole. This allows the homeowner to stand on the ground. They use the long pole to reach up onto the roof to pull the snow off of the roof. This is an excellent way to remove the snow in a safe manner. Since no one needs to go up on the roof. It may take longer to remove the snow this way. Your arms are going to get tired. However compared to going up on a roof with a steep slope, it is much safer for all concerned.

Hire Someone to Remove the Snow

If in doubt about the snow load on your roof, just have someone remove the snow for you and avoid any problems. Many consumers are not comfortable removing snow from a roof. They are afraid of falling and should always hire someone for rooftop snow removal. It may cost a few dollars, however, compared to the potential damage that could be caused by a cave-in of your roof or worse falling off a roof and damaging yourself seriously in some manner, there really is no decision to be made. Hire someone to remove that snow from your rooftop before it is too late.

For more posts about snow removal options, click here.

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Extreme Snow Plowing – Jet Engine Snow Plows

If I had not seen the picture I am not sure that I would have believe this to be possible. Using jet engine snow plows to clear snow from runways and other areas that need not only the snow removed, but everything melted as well. This particular picture tops the list of extreme snow clearing operations. Apparently this picture was taken in Russia where they have mounted Kiimov VK-1 jet engines on the front of trucks. These engines are normally mounted on Mig 15’s. This is one of the most unusual kind of snow plows that the writers have ever seen!

Although these extreme snow plows with jet engines, probably would be effective, there would be some practical issues that might be problematic with this configuration. The snow would be blown into the air and we suspect that it would be very difficult to see in these conditions, especially if you happen to be blowing snow into the wind. It would be a total white out under this condition.

Melting Snow

Also what happens to the snow when it melts? The exhaust from the jet engines will be very hot and will melt a lot of the snow. The water will puddle in places and will refreeze as soon as the jet engines are moved onto another area. This would make for very icy conditions after these trucks have passed. Maybe it is not a big issue, however if I was driving on a road after these guys had been in operation, I would be very careful indeed.

The amount of fuel that would be used to run these engines would be prohibitively expensive. It costs a great deal to run airplanes with jet engines and this would be the same. I am not sure that it would be cost effective to run these jet engines as extreme snow plows for very long.

Extreme Snow Plowing – Major Train Snow Plow

Another type of extreme snow plow that is actually much more effective and common are the snow plow trains shown in this picture.

These trains should probably be called extreme snow blowing instead of extreme snow plowing. However when you consider the size of this machine and the power behind it we think that it qualifies for an extreme snow plow as well. These machines are typically used in the mountains were they get a lot of snow. Also where there are avalanches from time to time and the snow must be cleared from the tracks.

This particular extreme snow plow has two engines. The front engine mounted with this snow blower is the size of a small house on the front. There is another car behind it, probably for supplies and carrying extra fuel. The last car is something you do not see much of these days. It follows up the rear of the snow plow train. It provides a place for the crew to relax in when they need to take a break from work.

They could be out on the tracks for days clearing snow and cannot easily get back to an urban setting for a day or evening off. We suspect that there are bunks, a small kitchen and a dining area in the caboose for the crew during down time from snow blowing.

These are two examples of extreme snow plowing services. The first one probably is effective but not very economical or friendly to the earth. The second is a more practical design and likely very effective as well as necessary.  If you have more and have pictures, please send them along.

There are multiple ways to remove snow from your roof and one of them is a lot safer than the other. But first we need to discuss why you may want to consider roof snow removal in the first place.

The picture on the left really shows how snow can build up in specific places o your roof. While this is not really enough snow to be considered dangerous from a snow load perspective. It is a problem waiting to become a nightmare for someone. When snow builds up like this, especially along the edge of a wall, there are always some spots where the snow melts and water begins to run down along the wall.

If this water can find a way inside the roof into your home, there is going to be a lot of water damage. In this specific situation, this is the primary reason for roof snow removal.

For most people, it is more concern about snow load on the roof becoming too much for the rafters to support and it collapses. The weight of snow can be a combination of the weight of snow and sometimes rain during a warm spell that falls and is absorbed by the snow. It never gets a chance to run off the roof adding to the overall weight of the snow on the roof. As more and more snow is added, the weight becomes too much and the roof collapses.

Roof Snow Removal

As the picture shows this man is upon his roof removing the snow. The roof is relatively flat which is another reason the snow accumulates, making the roof relatively safe to be on and not risk slipping off.  Other roofs are much steeper and many consumers have fallen off their roof and been seriously injured. We do not suggest that you try this approach due to the possible risk of falling. Never the less the snow needs to be removed and this is one of the reasons we are writing this post. We wanted to provide alternatives for removing snow from the roof.

Some consumers will take the safer approach of using what is called a “snow rake”.

The roof shown in this second picture is slightly steeper. It could be a large risk for some people attempting to get on the roof to remove the snow. The snow rake is a scraper attached to a long pole. It allows the consumer to stand on the ground and scrape the snow off the roof. It can take a bit longer to do. The work is hard on the arms since you are constantly working with this long pole. But it is much safer. The only risk you have is slipping on the driveway or the lawn area that you stand on.

Roof Snow Removal – Using a Scraper

It can take a while to remove the snow. If there is a crust on the snow, it can be difficult to get the scraper to dig into the snow. However, if you are persistent it will come off. You will have the satisfaction of not worrying about the snow load on your roof.  Consumers are cautioned that you still need to move some of the snow away from the home. You will have to remove it from the driveway or sidewalk if it falls in this area.

Having used one of these scrapers several times, I can tell you they work great and are much safer. The pole comes in sections and can be disassembled for storage. I even added a second section to it to extend the reach to the higher areas of my roof. We also take special care to make sure that snow does not build up below the skylight where an ice dam can form. This potentially could cause further damage from water leaking inside of our home.

Take the safe route when you are considering roof snow removal.  Make sure that you do not allow the snow load to build up. Also, make sure that you use a snow rake to remove snow from your roof in a safe manner without worrying about falling off of the roof.

Another area that gets consumers into trouble during the winter is frozen pipes. You may want to read a post about this subject. If you do, click here.

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Whether you have a sloped roof or a flat roof, removing snow from your roof can be a big job if the snow gets too deep. The snow is almost four feet deep on this man’s roof shown in the picture which puts a pretty heavy load on the roof of his home. Flat Roof Snow Removal is something that should be considered seriously.

New snow that has fallen is generally not too heavy and can be supported by most roofs. The trouble comes when you have a weak roof to begin with or there is a thaw and/ or rain in the winter time and now the snow is soaked with water which, can more than double the weight. This is when roofs cave in causing thousands in dollars of damage. If your roof has a lot of snow on it, get out there and shovel off the snow or arrange for a contractor to remove the snow.

Flat Roof Snow Removal – Which Roofs are Prone to a Lot of Snow

Roofs with a slope that would be considered gentle or flat roofs will routinely capture a lot of snow on them especially when there is little or no wind. A high wind is going to blow the snow off of the roof and avoid it building up. Snow falls that are heavy with little or no wind will see a lot of snow building up on a roof. If your roof has a gentle slope or is a flat roof, you can count on having to shovel snow off the roof at least once or twice during the winter.

Shoveling snow off of a roof, especially one that is sloped can be very dangerous. The snow makes the roof slippery and with all of the snow, you can also sometimes lose sight of where the edge of the roof is. This can even happen with a flat roof when there is a lot of snow to move off of the roof.

Some consumers will use what is called a snow rake. This is a shovel that is turned on its end and attached to a long pole. It allows the user to stand on the ground. They can use the snow rake to pull the snow off of the roof while standing on the ground. This is a much safer solution for many people to use. you avoid getting up on the roof and risking a slide off onto the ground.

Snow and Rain Combine to Weigh Heavily on a Roof

This is the most dangerous time for a roof with a heavy snow load. Sometimes it rains during a winter thaw onto a roof that is already thick with snow. The water just builds up in the snow and then freezes. This excess weight can sometimes be the cause of many failed roofs because they are just not built to support this kind of weight.

If you suspect that your roof could be exposed to a heavy snow load, hire someone to remove the snow. Why wait and take the chance that you will have too much snow and a roof that caves in?

Can Removing Snow Damage my Flat Roof

If you are not careful, a roof can be damaged while removing snow. The shingles are brittle due to the cold. The tar on the flat roof is also brittle. Your shovel could break through the shingles or the tarred roof. Which may be unnoticed until such time that everything begins to melt. At this point you have a leak and major damage from water entering through the damaged roof.

Shingles can be broken and flat roofs seams weakened simply from walking across the roof during a cold stretch. This is a difficult situation, since if you do nothing you risk a cave in. If you shovel the roof off, your risk creating damage to the roof. If at all possible avoid going on the roof. Use a snow rake to remove as much snow as you can. Even if you can only remove 30%, that is 30% less weight that is no longer on the roof. In addition as the weather warms and the snow begins to melt the water it has somewhere to go. R off of the roof in the area were you have used the snow rake to remove snow.

If in doubt have an expert look at your roof and arrange to have the snow removed from your roof. For more topics about snow removal, click here.

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We were wondering if Snow Plowing Services makes more sense for consumers than purchasing their own snowblower. Aside from the convenience of having someone clear the snow for you, we wondered if this made sense for many people and if it makes sense from a financial perspective. Our driveway is two car widths wide and about 2 car lengths long and sometimes during the winter, the city snowplow does not push the snow all the way back to the curb so it actually even becomes longer than that. It is a lot of areas to clear and you really do not want to think about shoveling this area by hand so a snowblower or a snowplow service is the only way to go.

How does Snow Plowing Services Work

Snowplow services use trucks with blades on the front to clear the snow. This is different than snow blowing services. Snow blowing services usually have a snowblower mounted on the front or the rear of a tractor and can blow the snow well away from the driveway. Snowplow services or trucks with blades on the front like the one shown in the picture usually drive into your driveway drop the blade and backup with the blade dragging the snow out of the driveway. They then have to push the snow removed from your driveway onto your lawn or at least away from the driveway area.

Concerns with Snow Plowing Services

There are several problems with this approach. First, the action of driving the truck onto the packed snow tends to pack the snow down. Particularly wet snow which the scraper does not remove and gradually builds up on the driveway. Secondly, the snow must be pushed somewhere. This creates a huge mound of snow at the front of your house usually. Thirdly if there is a lot of snow to deal with it is very hard for the trucks using a snowplow blade to actually remove all of the snow. There is also the danger of the blade scraping your driveway and actually digging into your driveway or your lawn on the side and removing some of the lawn. This leaves quite a mess in the spring and lawn that needs to be repaired.

Whether you hire snow plow services or a snowblower service, you still will need to think about whether you want someone to shovel the step and any sidewalks that lead into your yard or up your front steps. This is extra work in either case and they may charge more for this service.

Comparing the Cost of Snow Plowing Services and Snow Blowers

Depending on the size of the snow blower you can pick one up for around a thousand dollars, give or take. You get to clear your own driveway whenever it needs it. It will be cleared properly and done right. There are no mountains of snow on your front lawn to deal with.

The cost of snow plow services for us where we live with the size of the driveway we have is around $350 per year. This amount does not include the clearing of the steps and front area outside our front door. There is an additional cost to clear this area of snow. It is obvious that the breakeven cost is around 3 years. It gets less because the cost of snow plow services increases in price every year. At this time I have no problem clearing snow with a snowblower. I also do not mind being out in the cold. Based on these simple economics and preferences I have no problem clearing my own driveway of any snow that we get.

On the other hand, not everyone feels the way I do about clearing snow. There are many people who would prefer to just hire someone to clear the snow for them. They do not have to be concerned about this work. For them, either snow plow services or a snow blowing service can work for them. They just need to decide if they need the extra service of the sidewalk and step clearing snow service. Sometimes it is just a lot easier to have someone do this work for you!