Common Snow Removal Pitfalls for Surrey Property Owners and How to Avoid Them
Winter in Surrey, BC, brings its fair share of challenges, with snow and ice topping the list for property owners. While it might seem easy to handle snow removal yourself, many property owners run into problems that can lead to safety hazards, property damage, and legal troubles. Here’s a look at the most common snow removal mistakes and how to avoid them by working with snow removal experts.
1. Delayed Snow Removal: Acting Too Late
One of the most common mistakes property owners make is waiting too long to clear snow and ice. Snow that accumulates overnight or throughout the day can quickly harden, making it much more difficult to remove. Delays in snow removal also increase the risk of icy conditions forming, which can result in dangerous slip-and-fall accidents. Regular maintenance, including prompt snow and ice removal, helps mitigate slip-and-fall hazards on high-traffic areas like driveways and parking lots. Preventing snow and ice hazards on these surfaces is essential for the safety of residents and visitors.
How to Avoid It:
Professional snow removal services operate on timely schedules, often providing early morning or even overnight clearing to ensure your property is safe by the time business opens or residents begin their day. Outsourcing snow removal tasks offers numerous advantages, such as reducing physical strain, increasing efficiency, and meeting local regulations. The benefits of hiring a professional snow removal service ensure peace of mind and consistent results. Companies like Pro Snow Solutions monitor weather patterns and can proactively clear snow before it hardens or freezes, ensuring a safe and accessible property.
2. Inadequate Equipment for the Job
Using the wrong tools is a significant pitfall many property owners face. Basic shovels or consumer-grade snow blowers might work for light snowfall, but when heavy snow hits, these tools can’t always handle the load.
How to Avoid It:
Professional snow removal services use specialized equipment designed to handle large volumes of snow and ice efficiently. Using advanced techniques tailored for residential strata properties ensures optimal snow management and prevents common issues such as icy sidewalks or limited access. Top snow removal techniques for residential properties can make a significant difference. These include heavy-duty snowplows, industrial blowers, ATVs, UTVs, and more. With the right equipment at their disposal, professionals like Pro Snow Solutions can clear your property faster and more thoroughly, leaving it safe and damage-free.
3. Improper Ice Management
Ice management is often overlooked or poorly handled by property owners. Simply shoveling snow away doesn’t address the underlying ice that can quickly form during freeze-thaw cycles common in Surrey’s winter climate. Proactively applying anti-icing solutions is an efficient way to prevent dangerous ice accumulation, saving effort and reducing safety hazards later. Anti-icing strategies can often be more effective than relying solely on de-icing after snow has settled. Using the wrong de-icing products or applying them incorrectly can be ineffective, leaving hazardous icy patches behind.
How to Avoid It:
Professional snow removal services are experts in ice control. We use the correct de-icing materials—such as salt, ice-melt, brine, or specialized ice-melt products—depending on your property’s needs. We also know how to apply these materials effectively to prevent ice from forming in the first place. With our experience, you can avoid the liability of slip-and-fall accidents and keep your property safe.
4. Ignoring Legal Responsibilities
In Surrey, property owners—both residential and commercial—are responsible for keeping sidewalks and walkways clear of snow and ice. Failing to do so within the mandated timeframes can result in fines or lawsuits if someone is injured on your property. Many property owners are unaware of these obligations or may simply overlook them in the chaos of winter storms.
How to Avoid It:
Professional snow removal services with Pro Snow Solutions ensure your property complies with local snow removal bylaws. We offer scheduled snow clearing services to keep your property within legal requirements, helping you avoid fines and legal liabilities. We keep detailed logs of snow removal activities, which can be crucial if legal issues arise.
5. Underestimating the Physical Demands
Snow removal can be physically exhausting, particularly during heavy snowfall events. Many property owners underestimate the toll that repeated shoveling can take on their bodies. This is especially risky for individuals who may not be used to strenuous activity, as it can lead to fatigue, injury, or even health emergencies like heart attacks. Without adequate preparation and technique, shoveling heavy snow can lead to injuries or severe physical strain. Knowing the risks of snow shoveling helps property owners make safer decisions about snow removal.
How to Avoid It:
Let the professionals handle it. Snow removal experts are trained for the physical demands of the job, and we have the right tools to reduce strain. By hiring a professional service with Pro Snow Solutions, you can avoid putting yourself or your employees at risk of injury while ensuring the job gets done efficiently.
6. Inconsistent Snow Management Plans
Some property owners don’t have a solid snow management plan in place. This means they only react after a storm has already hit, often resulting in rushed, inadequate snow clearing that leaves areas unsafe or inaccessible. Without a plan, businesses and property owners may also face interruptions in daily operations due to slow snow removal.
How to Avoid It:
Professional snow removal companies like Pro Snow Solutions offer ongoing service agreements, ensuring that your property is always maintained throughout the winter. Whether it’s a predetermined schedule or on-call services during storms, having a plan in place with professionals guarantees that your property is safe and functional at all times.
7. Environmental Concerns
Improper snow removal can contribute to environmental damage, especially when excess salt and chemicals are used. Over-application of de-icing products can harm landscaping, contaminate water supplies, and damage local ecosystems. Eco-friendly snow removal practices protect your property and reduce harm to the environment. Sustainable snow removal methods can minimize salt usage and preserve local ecosystems.
How to Avoid It:
A professional snow removal company like Pro Snow Solutions will apply eco-friendly de-icing solutions and follow best practices that minimize environmental impact. We know how to balance effective snow and ice removal with protecting your property and the surrounding environment.
Conclusion
Snow removal in Surrey, is a challenging task that comes with numerous potential pitfalls. From the physical demands of shoveling to the risks of property damage and legal liabilities, it’s clear that managing snow and ice on your own can lead to costly mistakes. By hiring a professional snow removal service, you can avoid these common pitfalls and ensure that your property is safe, compliant, and accessible all winter long. Investing in expert snow removal services with Pro Snow Solutions is the most effective way to protect your property and provide peace of mind during the harsh winter months.
Ensure your property stays safe, accessible, and compliant this winter by relying on the experts. At Pro Snow Solutions, we offer comprehensive Surrey snow removal services tailored to meet the unique needs of your property. Don’t let snow and ice become a hazard—reach out today to learn how we can keep your property clear, protected, and winter-ready. Contact us now for professional Surrey snow removal solutions.
