What this covers
Snow removal clears the areas a plow cannot: walkways, front steps, porches, decks, patios and the paths to doors and mailboxes, using shovels and snow blowers. Many companies also pull heavy snow off roof edges with long roof rakes worked from the ground, which lightens the load and reduces the meltwater that refreezes as ice dams along the eaves. Larger roof snow loads call for a crew working from staging or in fall protection. Ice melt is spread on paths where you want it, chosen to suit the concrete, the plantings and any pets.
When to call
- Steps, walkways or a deck that need clearing after every storm.
- Heavy snow building up along the roof edge or over a low roof.
- Icicles and ice ridges forming along the gutters.
- A house to keep clear while you are away for part of the winter.
What to expect
- Walk the propertyThe company sees the paths, steps, decks and roof edges to be cleared.
- Agree termsYou agree on what is cleared, the trigger depth and the use of ice melt.
- ClearPaths and steps are shoveled or blown, and roof edges are raked from the ground.
- Follow upThe crew returns during long storms and after drifting or refreezing.
Get a certified company
Look up a certified company by ZIP code. Every company's license, insurance and trades are verified before it is listed, and placement is never paid.
Questions people ask
Why rake snow off a roof?
Heavy snow adds weight, and snow melting over a warm attic refreezes at the cold eaves as an ice dam that can push water under the shingles. Raking the lower edge reduces both.
Does anyone go up on the roof?
Roof raking is done from the ground. When snow has to come off higher up, a trained crew works from staging or in fall protection.
What if water is already coming in?
Water coming through a ceiling or wall from an ice dam is a leak to repair, not only snow to clear. An ice dam leak repair company dries out and fixes the damage.
Related: Snow plowing · Ice dam leak repair · Gutter guards · All landscaping and yard
This page describes what the service involves. The company you hire sets the scope, the schedule and the price, and your contract is with that company. We verify credentials and collect reviews from real jobs. We do not guarantee any company's workmanship. Safety steps are general guidance. When in doubt, leave the home and call 911.