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Snow clearance in Boston

Snow removal firms and roofers.

87 pros in Boston

Boston has a snow record few places can match: 64.8 inches fell in February 2015, the snowiest month in the city's history, and the January 2015 blizzard added 24.6 inches in a single storm. Those numbers explain why clearing snow here is a matter of timing as much as effort. The city's rules call for sidewalks and curb ramps to be cleared within three hours after snow stops, so a contractor who arrives the next afternoon may leave you out of compliance. During a declared snow emergency, parking is not allowed on major roads and arteries, which affects where plow crews and your own vehicles can stand. Before you hire, ask how quickly a crew reaches your property after a storm ends, whether sidewalks and ramps are included, and who handles the walkway if you are away. For roof snow or ice dams, ask how the work is done: state guidance says not to use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices such as hair dryers or heat guns. Get the scope in writing.

Sources: WBUR (source, opens in a new tab), CBS Boston (source, opens in a new tab)

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Before you hire

  1. Put it in a written contract: the work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up. Paying cash to skip it leaves you no recourse.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  2. Ask about liability insurance and workers’ compensation cover before anyone works on your roof or property.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

  3. Get written quotes from at least three contractors for the same work, and check references from recent clients.

    Source: ised-isde.canada.ca (source, opens in a new tab)

Questions about hiring in Boston

How soon must I clear my sidewalk in Boston after a storm?

Boston's rules say sidewalks and curb ramps must be cleared within three hours after it stopped snowing. If you hire a plowing or shovelling service, ask whether their response time fits that window and whether walkways and ramps are part of the job or only the driveway. City of Boston (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow removal contract include?

Ask for the areas covered (driveway, walkway, steps, ramps), the trigger for a visit, such as a snowfall depth, and how quickly crews respond after a storm. Also ask how the price is set, whether salt or sand is included, who is responsible for damage, and what proof of insurance they can show.

What happens to parked cars during a Boston snow emergency?

During a declared snow emergency, Boston does not allow parking on major roads and arteries. Vehicles must be removed within two hours of the City lifting the emergency ban. If a plow crew works your property, agree on where your cars should be moved so the lot can be cleared. City of Boston (source, opens in a new tab)

Is it safe to melt roof snow or ice dams with a heat tool?

No. Massachusetts roof snow-removal safety guidance says not to use blow torches, open flames, or electric heating devices such as hair dryers or heat guns. When you ask a contractor about ice dam removal, ask what method they use and how they work safely on your roof. Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (Mass.gov) (source, opens in a new tab)

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