Snow clearance in Erie

Snow removal firms and roofers.

7 pros in Erie

Erie's snow is a matter of record. Over Christmas 2017, Erie International Airport logged a storm total of 48.9 inches, with almost 21 inches falling on December 25 and another 22 inches the next day. In a normal year the city gets 104.3 inches, with 31.8 inches in January alone. That is why plowing and driveway clearing here are routine winter work, not a rare call-out. Hiring has a local rule attached. City of Erie ordinance says the occupant of a building must clear the sidewalk in front within three hours of the snowfall, or hire someone to do it. If it is not done, the City can have it removed at the owner's expense. Before you hire, ask whether the service covers your sidewalk as well as your driveway, how quickly they respond after a storm, and where they pile the snow. The City asks that snow not be pushed into the streets and that hydrants be kept clear, so confirm the crew will follow both.

Sources: National Weather Service Cleveland (source, opens in a new tab), National Weather Service Cleveland (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 Erie

How soon do I have to clear my sidewalk in Erie after it snows?

City of Erie ordinance gives the occupant three hours after the snowfall to clear snow, ice or sleet from the sidewalk in front of the building. You may hire someone to do it. If it is not cleared, the City can have it removed and bill the owner. Ask any plowing service whether sidewalks are included. City of Erie (source, opens in a new tab)

Can my plow crew push snow into the street?

The City of Erie's Winter Regulations page asks residents not to shovel, blow or plow snow into the streets. It also asks that snow be cleared away from fire hydrants. When you hire, ask where the crew will put the snow from your driveway and whether they will keep any nearby hydrant clear. City of Erie (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow removal quote or agreement include?

Ask for a written agreement that states what is cleared (driveway, walkway, sidewalk), how much snow triggers a visit, and how soon after a storm they come. It should also say how repeat visits are charged, who is responsible for damage, and whether the business carries insurance. Compare quotes on those terms, not on one figure.

Is it worth booking snow removal for the whole season in Erie?

Erie's 1991-2020 normals show 104.3 inches of snow a year, with 31.8 inches in January and 26.3 inches in December. With that much snow, you may need service many times. A seasonal agreement can set out visits and response times in advance, so ask what it covers during heavy storms. National Weather Service Cleveland (source, opens in a new tab)