Commercial Snow Removal
While winter weather may be impossible to control, having plans in place to deal with the outcomes of unpredictable New Jersey snow and ice storms are essential to all types of commercial operations, from offices and stores to apartment and townhouse complexes. Contracting with a reliable professional snow plowing and snow removal service offers peace of mind during stressful conditions. Finding a service, such as Golden Wolf Landscape & Design, that can also pre-salt commercial properties prior to a storm can mitigate snowy conditions and ice accumulations.
Contractor Checklist
When getting commercial snow contract bids, make sure that the companies are not only insured but certified for snow and ice services through a trade organization such as SIMA (Snow and Ice Management Association), which shows the contractor’s has willingness to invest in the time and training needed to provide better service for the client. Also make sure that the contractor has the appropriate equipment to perform the service – and also enough of the equipment to provide that service in a timely manner. Since there’s a short window for completion of snow service, probably within 24 hours if not sooner, an appropriate amount of staffing is required to get businesses reopened quickly – which can help offset the cost of a service contract. Plus keeping conditions safe for pedestrians of all ages is beneficial to everyone. Knowing that experts are on the job and taking care of the process eliminates worry for those charged with property maintenance.
How a Contractor Should Prepare
Because weather situations change quickly, contractors address variable equipment and staffing needs by the number of accounts served and sizes of the locations. At Golden Wolf, the contract manager sets up schedules, creates site maps, determines the most efficient routes, and also makes sure mechanics are both on-staff and on-call to keep things operating accordingly – with sufficient back-up plans. “When snow in in the forecast, that’s where all attention goes,” says owner Marcus Celiano. “It’s all hands on deck.” Planning and preparation can start 48-hours before a snow event, and clean up and maintenance chores continue long after the last crews have returned after what might be a 24-hour shift. No detail is overlooked, and crews of mindful of safety for both people and property.
Snow Removal and Ice Treatment Considerations
Whether snow is removed from the service site immediately or plowed into mounds depends on size: tight spaces need to be cleared fully while snow mounds can be created in carefully defined and designated locales in larger lots – and they’re marked by stakes and flags. When an excess number of close-together storms take mound areas outside of specified parameters, that snow is relocated to make room for more.
Even when snow has been plowed as planned, it can melt and leach out during the day and freeze again at night – creating icy conditions in parking lots and walkways. Having a service provider that’s going to be committed to keeping properties clean and safe even after the last snowfall is important. A salt pre-treatment actually builds a barrier that helps retard the melting-refreezing cycle because the salt actually drops the freezing temperature. Another salt variety with an even lower freezing point, sodium chloride – which differs from rock salt used on highways – is far less damaging to walkways and patios.
Service Reporting
Time-stamped before-and-after-service photos taken by the company document the work performed, which is helpful with liability issues and for proof-of-service during billing. This service “paper trail” is (or should be) checked regularly by the office staff. A thorough, hands-on contractor ought to enable you to enjoy an anxiety-free snow day.
If you are not currently a customer of Golden Wolf Landscape & Design LLC, we would love to add you to our growing family of customers. Our focus is on residential and commercial properties in New Jersey. Our goal is to provide the best experience and value for each and every one of our customers. Contact us at (908) 578-1179. You can also fill out a request form for a quote on our website under our “Contact Us” tab. We're looking forward to hearing from you!