Snow clearance in Madison

Snow removal firms and roofers.

32 pros in Madison

Madison averages 51.8 inches of snow a year, so snow clearance here is a routine part of the winter rather than an occasional job. The city also sets rules that shape what you ask a contractor to do. Sidewalks must be shovelled by noon the day after the snow stops, and the city may issue a citation with a fine if they are not. When a Snow Emergency is declared, usually with three or more inches of snow on the roads, everyone must follow alternate side parking for about two days so crews can plow residential streets. Before you hire, ask whether the service covers your sidewalk as well as your driveway, and whether crews will clear it within the noon deadline. Ask how they handle a Snow Emergency, including where vehicles and equipment will be placed. For roof snow removal, ask for written confirmation of their insurance and how they work around power lines. Get the scope, timing and trigger depth for each visit in writing.

Source: Wisconsin State Climatology Office, UW-Madison (source, opens in a new tab)

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What to know in Madison

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 Madison

When does my sidewalk need to be cleared in Madison?

Madison requires sidewalks to be shovelled by noon the day after the snow stops. The city may issue a citation with a fine if you miss it, and may give extensions to seniors and people with disabilities. If you hire someone, confirm in writing that sidewalks are included and when they will arrive. City of Madison (source, opens in a new tab)

What should I know about Snow Emergencies before hiring a plow service?

Madison declares a Snow Emergency when it needs to plow all residential streets, usually with three or more inches of snow on the roads. It usually lasts two days, with alternate side parking required. Ask how a contractor schedules your driveway around that period and where they will put the snow. City of Madison (source, opens in a new tab)

What should a snow clearance quote include?

A clear quote lists the areas covered, such as driveway, walkway and steps, and the snow depth that triggers a visit. It should also state how soon after a storm crews arrive, whether salt or sand is included, how you are billed, and what happens if the job damages your property.

Is roof snow removal safe to do near power lines?

Madison Gas and Electric says to stay at least 30 feet away from a downed power line and to report it at 608-252-7000. Before hiring for roof work, ask how the crew will handle lines near your roofline, and ask for proof of insurance in writing. Madison Gas and Electric (source, opens in a new tab)