Snow Removal Mistakes

Commercial properties must remove any signs of precipitation as quickly as possible. Tenants must be able to safely enter and exit the building, and parking lots must be safe and accessible. When snow starts to pile up into nearly unmanageable levels, clearing it away can also become important to the integrity of the building itself! 

At the start of the winter season, snow dustings are fairly easy to remove. But as the winter goes on, heavier snowfall can lead to ice and unsafe surfaces. This makes commercial property snow removal much more difficult. This is when most property owners start to make snow removal mistakes. Before you begin to remove the snow from your property, read about these common mistakes that property managers often make.

Mistakes to Avoid With Snow Removal from Your Commercial Property

1. Understand the Law.

   Snow removal laws are different by state, including how high snow mounds can be when created by a snow plow. Regardless if you are within the height regulations, make sure that these snow banks still allow for safe driving and parking and don’t block drivers views of anything in the parking lot. 

2. Watch Out for Your Surroundings.

   During major snowstorms, it can be incredibly hard to see different obstacles that would normally stand out without the snow. Watch out for parked cars that are buried under heavy snowfalls, dumpsters, or parking blocks that could be covered by snow while you’re plowing the parking lot. 

3. Designate an Area for Cleared Snow.

   Mark an area where you will push plowed snow. This area should be marked with flags, cones, or other types of markers. It should be a safe distance away from the building itself and in an area where the equipment will not disrupt the building. It is also important to be certain that the plowed snow is far enough away from the building that it will not cause flooding or water damage when it begins to melt. 

4. Start Planning Early.

   Winter storms can hit at any time. Be prepared with supplies early like salt to control ice, back up shovels, gas for snowblowers, etc. 

5. Watch Out for Ice.

   Ice can cause major damage to your building and to tenants if they take a spill. It can also cause auto accidents – which is why it’s extremely important to take care of ice before it becomes a problem. De-ice the cement before the problem becomes too much to handle.

6. Cover Your Building With Insurance.

   Sometimes winter storms have a mind of their own. The only way to make sure you’re protected fully is by having insurance. An insurance policy will cover you in case of water damage caused by any winter weather, including roof collapses due to heavy snow, pipes bursting due to freezing, and even trees uprooting during an extreme ice storm.

If winter turns out to be harsh on your commercial property and restoration services are needed, the team at A&J Property Restoration is your answer. Call our emergency response team for an estimate today.