Snow-Clearing Equipment You Need Before Winter

Written by Posted On Friday, 22 September 2017 07:20

It’s fall, and before you know it, winter will be here. Winter means snow is likely at some point. Cleaning up snow and making sure your property is safe for tenants is an important job during the winter. It also protects you from any property liability claims.

It’s best to get the snow-clearing equipment you’ll need before winter starts. It’s all easily accessible then, and you’ll have plenty of time to examine what you want, purchase it and ready it for storage. If you wait until snow has started to fall, there is a risk that supplies could be low, or you’d have to wait for equipment to be ordered. Being prepared well in advance is best.

So what are the essentials of snow-clearing equipment? You had better have these:

1. Shovels

It’s best to have several different types and materials of shovels. Some shovels are relatively flat and shallow. They work well to push the snow, particularly if they’re made of lightweight material like plastic. They can be the most efficient for clearing surfaces like sidewalks once the preponderance of the snow has been shoveled.

Other shovels are shaped more like scoops, with deeper and rounder bodies. They work to scoop snow out. These are your all-purpose shovels for getting snow out of the way. They can be made of plastic or metal.

More lightweight materials should be used on building materials that could be damaged by metal shovels, such as decks or roofs. Metal shovels are more efficient on concrete since they won’t wear out as quickly as plastic.

2. Snow Blowers

Snowstorms can range from a light dusting to several feet. Generally, snow blowers require at least two inches of snow to work well. You have several options and styles to consider. The most common is the handheld, which is fine for 1 or 2 properties. But, if you have 5+ properties, this will wear you out quickly, not to mention, take longer than other methods.

If you have a skid steer for other property maintenance, check out the available attachments that can help you maintain your properties. A snow blower attachment are definitely the landlord’s friend for the quick clearing of a lot of snow from open areas. Streets, parking lots and lawns or other open areas will all benefit from snow removal.

3. Ice-Melting Equipment

You definitely should have materials on hand to melt the ice as well. Chemical de-icers, salt or sand all work well.

You want to treat your property several times with ice melters. Do it before snow comes to treat the ground. Then, after shoveling and operating the blower, use the melter again on any area of walking or driving to avoid an ice build-up. Ice is particularly dangerous to walking or driving tenants because it can cause people to slip and cars to slide. It also isn’t always visible, particularly if it’s at night or if it’s black ice.

Take precautions if you use chemical de-icers or salt. Both can harm plants, so take into account into greenery or shrubbery on the property. The problem for salt, in particular, will be the run-off.

Salt and some chemicals can also harm house pets or animals who may drink it. If your tenants have pets or your property may have squirrels or deer on it, they could all drink salt- or chemical-contaminated water when the snow and ice melt.

In some areas where snow comes thick and fast in a given year, salt supplies can run out before the season is over. If you do choose to use salt, be sure to purchase sufficient quantities for your properties.

snow covered town

Special Considerations

You’ll also want to take care of the buildings themselves. Areas to focus on include:

Roofs

In most areas where snow is a concern, architects sensibly designed roofs with a peak, so accumulating snow simply falls off. But it’s possible that your peaks aren’t high enough or your roofs are flat, and snow keeps on coming. Snow accumulating on your roof is dangerous for several reasons.

Don’t simply take a shovel up on the roof. An icy roof is dangerous to walk on. Hire a professional who specializes in cleaning snow off roofs.

Gutters

Cleaning snow and ice out of gutters with a shovel is also dangerous, and shovels are not designed for that purpose. A professional should be hired for this as well.

Winter’s coming! Get all the equipment and supplies needed for snow removal before it’s here. Shovels, snow blowers and de-icers are all necessary and will keep you, your tenants and your buildings safe throughout the cold months.

Rate this item
(0 votes)
Megan Wild

Hey there! I'm Megan, I'm a home improvement writer, blogger, and real estate investor and observer. Check out my posts for housing trends and latest happenings in U.S. and Pennsylvania!

www.yourwildhome.com

Agent Resource

Limited time offer - 50% off - click here

Realty Times

From buying and selling advice for consumers to money-making tips for Agents, our content, updated daily, has made Realty Times® a must-read, and see, for anyone involved in Real Estate.