TL;DR
- Snow removal involves specific terminology for services, equipment, and contracts.
- Understanding service types (e.g., plowing, de-icing, shoveling) is crucial.
- Familiarize yourself with common equipment names (e.g., plow, snow blower, salt spreader).
- Key contractual terms like "per-event," "seasonal," and "trigger depth" impact service.
- Safety terms and practices are important for both providers and property owners.
- A clear understanding of terms ensures effective communication and service delivery.
Stepping into the world of snow removal, whether as a property owner hiring a service or someone looking to understand the industry, can introduce you to a new vocabulary. Just like any specialized field, snow removal has its own set of terms that are essential for clear communication and effective service.
This glossary will introduce you to the most common snow removal terms you’ll encounter, helping you decode the language of winter property maintenance.
Types of Snow Removal Services
Understanding the different services offered is key to choosing the right provider for your needs.
- Plowing: The most common method, using a plow attached to a truck or other vehicle to push snow off surfaces like driveways and parking lots.
- Shoveling: Manual removal of snow, typically for sidewalks, pathways, and areas inaccessible by plows.
- De-icing: Application of salt, brine, or other chemicals to melt ice and prevent refreezing on surfaces.
- Snow Blowing: Using a snow blower to clear snow, often for areas where plowing isn’t feasible or for lighter snowfalls.
- Snow Hauling/Relocation: Removing snow from the property entirely and transporting it to an off-site location, often used for large commercial properties or when on-site storage is limited.
- Roof Snow Removal: Specialized service to remove snow from rooftops, preventing ice dams and structural damage.
Common Equipment
Snow removal professionals use a variety of tools and machinery to get the job done efficiently.
- Snow Plow: A blade attached to the front of a truck, ATV, or tractor used to push snow.
- Snow Blower: A machine that uses an auger to collect snow and a powerful fan to discharge it away from the cleared area.
- Salt Spreader/Sander: Equipment used to distribute de-icing agents like salt, sand, or brine.
- Shovel: A basic hand tool for manual snow removal.
- Skid Steer/Loader: Compact, versatile machines often used with attachments like plows, buckets, or snow pushers for larger areas.
- ATV/UTV with Plow: All-terrain or utility terrain vehicles equipped with plows for smaller driveways or pathways.
Key Terms in Snow Removal Contracts
When hiring a service, understanding these contractual terms is vital.
- Per-Event Service: Billing occurs each time snow is cleared, usually triggered by a specific accumulation (e.g., 2 inches).
- Seasonal Contract: A fixed price for the entire winter season, covering all snow removal events regardless of frequency.
- Trigger Depth: The minimum amount of snowfall (e.g., 1 inch, 2 inches) that must accumulate before the snow removal service is dispatched.
- Push Back: Pushing snow further back from the cleared area to create more space, often done after multiple snowfalls.
- Salting/De-icing Clause: Specifies when and how de-icing agents will be applied, often tied to temperature or ice formation.
- Liability Clause: Outlines the responsibilities of both the service provider and the property owner in case of damage or injury.
Safety Terms and Practices
Safety is paramount in snow removal.
- Black Ice: A thin coating of ice on a surface, often transparent, making it difficult to see.
- Frostbite: Injury to body tissue caused by freezing, typically affecting extremities.
- Hypothermia: A dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by prolonged exposure to cold.
- Slip and Fall Hazard: Any condition that could cause a person to lose their balance and fall, especially prevalent on icy or snowy surfaces.
- Visibility: The ability to see clearly, which can be severely reduced during snowstorms.
Conclusion
Understanding snow removal terminology empowers property owners to make informed decisions when hiring services and ensures clear communication with providers. By familiarizing yourself with these terms, you’ll be better equipped to discuss your needs, understand service agreements, and ensure your property remains safe and accessible throughout the winter season.
