Everything You Need to Know About Northern Virginia Commercial Snow Removal

A snowstorm can bring your business to a standstill – but the right commercial snow removal company will keep your property clear, safe, and open for customers. Choosing the wrong contractor, however, can lead to delays, unexpected costs, and even liability risks. To help you make the best choice, we’ve broken down the five key factors you should consider before hiring a snow removal company.

Key Takeaways:

• Before hiring a commercial snow removal company, always verify that it has proper insurance coverage and SIMA membership to ensure quality service and protect your business from liability.
• A reliable snow removal partner should have access to essential equipment, such as snowplows, snowblowers, and shovels, to effectively handle various aspects of snow clearing.
• To avoid miscommunication during winter weather, insist on a detailed service agreement outlining pricing, response times, service boundaries, and snow management protocols.
• Choose a company that offers 24/7 emergency response capabilities to ensure your business can get back up and running quickly after unexpected snowfall.
• Look for extensive experience with properties similar to yours and ask for references from other commercial property owners in Northern Virginia to verify their track record.

5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Commercial Snow Removal Company

A reliable snow removal provider will minimize business disruption by responding quickly.

Many companies in Northern Virginia claim they are professionals at the service, but they often don’t have the proper skills and equipment to handle the job. Consider these five key factors when choosing a snow removal provider.

1. Verify Their Experience and Certifications

You wouldn’t hire the first job applicant who walks through the door without checking their experience – so why treat snow removal any differently? A qualified snow and ice removal company should have the right credentials, experience, and equipment to handle your property safely and efficiently.

At a minimum, the company should have years of experience in the area and industry. A reputable contractor will also be a member of the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA). SIMA helps companies and individuals learn and use the best practices for snow and ice management and offers numerous resources and training to members.

Before hiring a contractor, ask about their experience with a property like yours and any references from similar commercial property owners.

2. Make Sure They Have the Right Equipment for the Job

Qualifications are important, but without the right equipment, snow removal is nearly impossible. Ask potential contractors what tools and machinery they plan to use on your property. A well-equipped company should have:

• A snowplow for clearing parking lots and roads
• Snowblowers for sidewalks and walkways
• Shovels for areas where machinery isn’t practical

3. Confirm They Carry All Necessary Insurance

Having the right equipment is just the start – insurance is key to protecting your property.

Have you ever asked your contractor about insurance? If you haven’t, start now. Hiring an insured team is the best way to protect against damages.

Common risks in commercial snow removal include:

• A plow hitting a buried curb and causing property damage
• A vehicle sliding on ice and crashing into a structure
• Low visibility leading to accidents with pedestrians or other vehicles

Make sure the company has comprehensive insurance coverage and that your contract clearly outlines who is responsible for damages. Even more importantly, worker safety matters. If a company isn’t insured and a worker gets injured on your property, you could be held liable.

“Working in the snow and ice, it’s really dangerous. Accidents happen all the time, with people slipping or a vehicle losing traction on the snow and ice. So, it’s really important to make sure you’re working with a company with insurance. And the easiest way to find that out is to ask.” – Ashley Davis, owner of Absolute Tree

4. Choose a Company That Provides a Clear Service Agreement

Beyond insurance, clear communication and expectations are essential. Any commercial snow removal contractor should provide a clear, detailed service agreement explaining their services for your property. Some of the aspects that your service agreement should cover include:

• Pricing structure and payment terms
• Where snow will be piled
• Guaranteed response times
• Service boundaries and scope
• Priority areas for clearing
• Communication protocols during a storm
• Minimum snowfall depth before service begins

You want to ensure the team prepares the area for functional business. Customers, guests, and employees should be able to park and walk safely to the building. You don’t want the snow to cover your signs, and snow shouldn’t block any pathways.

Look for a company with round the clock response to avoid any downtime for your business.

5. Opt for a Company with 24/7 Emergency Response

Winter weather in Northern Virginia is unpredictable. Fairfax County often sees an average of 10 inches of snow every winter, and when it all falls at once, it can shut down your business.

That’s why you need a contractor that offers 24/7 emergency snow removal. When snow starts falling, you need a team that’s on standby and ready to clear your property immediately.

A company with round-the-clock service ensures that your business stays open and safe—no matter what winter throws your way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal in Northern Virginia

Beyond these five essential factors, many Northern Virginia business owners have specific questions about commercial snow removal services. Drawing from our nearly two decades of experience serving properties throughout Fairfax and Arlington counties, we’ve addressed some of the most common questions below to help you make an informed decision for your business.

How early should I arrange for snow removal services?

It’s best to secure your snow removal contract by early fall. The most reliable contractors book up fast, and waiting too long could leave you scrambling for service when winter storms hit. By planning ahead, you’ll lock in priority service and ensure your property stays clear and safe all season long.

How do companies manage ice?

Ice management typically involves pre-treatment with anti-icing materials and ongoing de-icing applications. We use different techniques and materials based on temperature, precipitation type, and surface material.

What areas do snow removal services prioritize first?

We prioritize emergency exits, main entrances, ADA-accessible areas, and primary parking areas. We’ll create a custom priority map based on your business operations and safety requirements.

Absolute Tree Can Be Your Partner in Commercial Snow Removal

Winter weather in Northern Virginia can be unpredictable, but your business operations don’t have to be. As a SIMA member with nearly 20 years of experience serving commercial properties throughout Arlington, Fairfax Station, McLean, and Alexandria, Absolute Tree delivers reliable snow removal services you can count on.

Don’t wait until the snow falls to start thinking about your commercial snow removal contractor. Secure your winter maintenance plan today and call us at 703-969-6207 or request an estimate online.