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NEWS WHAT DOES A SNOW REMOVING COMPANY DO? As a snow removal company, we remove snow to make travelling by road accessible and safe. In this blog we explain how we do this. There are several ways to remove snow. One of them is de-icing. De-icing is the removal of existing snow, ice or frost by plowing or scraping. We mostly use salt or other melting chemicals to do so. An other method is anti-icing. We use this treatment to prevent the snow or ice to frost on the road. Just before the snow hazard arrives, we apply salt or other chemicals on the road. Snow can have a big affect on your business. When the road is covered by snow, your company is not save or accessible for your clients or employees. As a snow removing company, we make sure that the snow will not affect your business. Get a quote

NEWS SNOWHOW As handling snow is our job, we know everything about those little flakes. And of course, we love to share our knowledge with you. Did you know all these facts? As white as snow.. or not? White Christmas, snow-white. That isn’t true. Snow is not white but transparent. How come we see it as white? Snow is made of ice crystals. When the light passes through the crystals, the prisms break the light in multiple colors. They reflect and absorb the light and as a result, our eyes see them as white. Don’t eat the.. red snow Red snow? Yes, red snow exists. The red color is caused by pigment algae. It mostly appears in mountains during seasons when there is little sunlight and when the temperature is below freezing points. Even though it looks wonderful, you shouldn’t eat the snow. Your intestines don’t like the algae’s and it will give you diarrhea. Six sides on every snowflake Snow is made of ice crystals. These crystals always have six sides. Snowflakes are groups of perfectly symmetrical crystals instead of flakes that look like cotton wool. The largest snowflake According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the biggest snowflake has been 15 inches wide and 8 inches thick. It fell down during a snowstorm in January 1887 at Fort Keogh in Montana. As silence as snow Did you ever walk downtown New York City after a big snowstorm? The city will never be quieter because snow provides silence. Fresh snow consists of more than 90% air. The air in snow absorbs sound waves. But as soon as the surface of the snow hardens the snow reflects the sound. The snowiest state of the USA New York is the snowiest state of the USA. In Rochester alone, there fell over 63 inches of snow this past winter (November until February). In Syracuse fell almost 75 inches and in Buffalo nearly 95 inches. Buffalo was attacked by a winter hazard that lasted from 25 January until February first. The snowiest day in the history of the New York state was on February 1 in 1966. Within 24 hours, 50 inches of snow fell (Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the National Weather Service). As your snow removal partner, we make sure that the snowfall does not affect your business. Get in touch with us today. Get a quote

NEWS DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SNOWSTORMS AND BLIZZARDS A snowstorm or a blizzard. What are the difference between those? The big difference between a snowstorm and a blizzard is the speed of the wind and the visibility. The weather conditions of a blizzard are as following: The wind blows over 35 mph per hour The visibility is less than a quarter mile These conditions should continue for three hours of longer. Did you know that a blizzard doesn’t always contain snowfall? If the wind is blowing the snow on the surface, we also call it a blizzard. Snowstorm or blizzard, there is no difference for us. We always make sure it doesn’t affect your business. Get a quote

NEWS ABOUT OUR SERVICE: DE-ICING One of the services that we provide is de-icing. It’s a very important method in the snow removal business. In this blog article, we explain more about de-icing. Sometimes using a shovel is not enough to remove snow from a road or pavement. When there is a lot of snow and ice, we use the de-icing method to remove existing snow from the surface. There are multiple materials we use to de-ice. In order to choose which material to use, we need to know more about the melting temperature of the snow. An example of de-icing materials is rock salt and sea salt. Do you want to know more about our reliable services? Don’t hesitate to contact us today. Our dedicated team is here to help you. Get a quote

NEWS ABOUT OUR SERVICE: SNOWPLOWING In the harsh winter months, snow can affect your business. As your snow removal partner, we help you to get rid of the snow on your property. One of the services we provide is snow plowing. Snowplow is used to remove large amounts of snow. In order to remove the snow, we use big vehicles that push the snow to a storage place. If there isn’t enough place on your property to store the snow, we remove the snow. We call this snow hauling. We always monitor the weather conditions, so that we can make a good snow removal plan. Interested in how we can help you remove snow from your property? Get in touch with us today. Get a quote

NEWS CREATING A SOLID SNOW REMOVAL PLAN: GUIDE FOR BUSINESSES As New Yorkers brace themselves for freezing temperatures and treacherous winter conditions, business owners and managers have other worries on their minds: finding a reliable snow and ice management company.Studies show that weather has a significant impact on shoppers’ and customers’ retail habits, which is why it is so important to make your business accessible to clients — despite the heavy snowfall.This is where having a detailed snow removal plan comes in. When considering a partnering company to assist with your business’ snow removal, there are multiple aspects to evaluate. These aspects include more than just quality snow removal, but also the contract type, property boundaries agreement, trigger depth, and a solid communication plan. Make snow worries a thing of the past for your business, as we discuss how you can create a detailed snow removal plan below. We will also discuss when to start looking for a snow removal company, as well as a few tips on choosing the right commercial snow removal company. HOW TO ESTABLISH YOUR BUSINESS’ SNOW REMOVAL PLANS 1. UNDERSTAND SNOW REMOVAL SERVICES The first step in creating a snow removal plan is to understand what services you need. Snow removal companies work towards providing road and pathway accessibility to your business through a variety of snow removal techniques. Are you seeking assistance with shoveling or do you need heavy-duty snow removal and hauling services? Evaluate what may need to be done to keep your business 2. RESEARCH SNOW REMOVAL COMPANIES Spend some time researching snow removal companies. Every company offers different snow removal services. You’ll want to find certified and licensed professionals who can provide every service you need. At Novus Maintenance, you’ll find a well-trained team that can offer services such as snow shoveling, plowing, hauling, de-icing, and sidewalk clearing. No matter what your commercial property needs, Novus Maintenance can manage your snow removal. 3. CREATE A SNOW REMOVAL PLAN Once you have selected your snow removal company, it is time to create a plan. Working with trained professionals at a company such as Novus Maintenance makes this process efficient. Share information on your commercial property and what areas will need snow removal services to ensure quality results. Protect your customers from winter hazards with a clearly defined, round-the-clock snow removal plan. WHEN TO PUT A SNOW REMOVAL PLAN IN PLACE Ideally, you’ll want to create and implement a snow and ice removal plan sooner rather than later. This will prevent your business from getting snowed in and becoming unreachable to customers when inclement weather arrives. As snow and ice can hinder your profitability opportunities, it is in your business’s best interest to have a snow removal plan in place.That being said, it is best to establish a snow removal plan in the spring or summer leading to winter. The warmer months are the ideal time to establish a snow removal plan, as it leaves you with enough time to establish your commercial property needs and find the ideal snow removal company to outsource. Your trained snow removal team will be well-prepared to manage snow as soon as it arrives with a pre-approved plan. RISKS OF WAITING ON A SNOW REMOVAL PLAN Leaving your business’ snow removal plan for the last minute may leave your business at risk, with consequences like: A lack of available service providers. Rushed proposal process, which may lead to overpricing. Scheduling issues may arise, leaving your business stranded with snow. Unskilled service providers, due to overscheduling with contractors. A lack of necessary tools due to overscheduling. Avoid these consequences and be prepared for harsh New York winters with a snow removal plan well in advance. FREQUENTLY ASKED SNOW REMOVAL PLAN QUESTIONS Once you have established the importance of hiring a snow removal company and having a snow removal process in place, it is time to find the ideal contractor.Here are a few questions to keep in mind before making your final decision. WHY INVEST IN SNOW REMOVAL PLANS? Famous New York snowfall may negatively affect your business, by hindering people from accessing your company. Furthermore, snow and icy roads create a threat to the safety of your clients and employees. To prevent possible loss of income, and to provide a safe and accessible shopping experience for your clients, snow removal should be a top business priority. HOW DOES A SNOW REMOVAL COMPANY MANAGE ICE? There are multiple snow removal procedures, including de-icing. These methods are usually included in a company’s snow and ice removal plan. De-icing occurs when existing snow, ice, or frost is removed through scraping or plowing. This process includes using chemicals or salt to more easily remove the snow, ice, or frost. WILL YOUR SNOW REMOVAL COMPANY COMMUNICATE WEATHER FORECASTS FOR DE-ICING? This is a crucial aspect to have in your contract, as your snow removal partner can assist in keeping snow or ice at bay through de-icing or removing snow efficiently. Open communication is essential to avoid inconveniencing your clients or customers. Novus Maintenance provides 24/7 communication to ensure that inclement weather obstacles are managed quickly. IS A MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENT AVAILABLE? It is advisable to have a multi-year contract with your snow removal partner, as this is usually more cost-efficient. Discuss the available contract lengths with your chosen snow removal company to ensure that your needs are covered year after year. ARE DIFFERENT TRIGGER DEPTHS FOR SNOW PLOW OPERATIONS AVAILABLE? This depth will depend on your snow removal and financial needs. Although a higher trigger depth may reduce costs, it will likely increase the risk of slipping and falling on the surface. Zero tolerance triggers, on the other hand, require frequent salt applications, as well as high service levels. CAN I INDICATE PROPERTY BOUNDARIES AND CRUCIAL SNOW REMOVAL AREAS ON MY CONTRACT? This is an essential part of a contract, as it establishes the boundaries to which your contractor can remove and push snow. Your snow removal company will likely visit your property during the initial meeting to gain a better

NEWS HOW A SEASONAL SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACT WORKS FOR YOUR BUSINESS If you are a business owner or landlord, then you know that keeping your property clean and accessible is crucial to your success. During the winter, this becomes even more important, as snow and ice can create a number of hazards for both customers and employees. That is why it is important to have a seasonal snow removal contract in place with a reliable snow removal company. Here is what you need to know about how such a contract works. WHAT A SEASONAL SNOW REMOVAL CONTRACT INCLUDES Snow removal entails plowing snow off your property and then hauling it off to somewhere else. Plowing simply includes pushing snow from one place to another within the area — which can later be a danger and a chore to deal with when it starts to melt. This is why most commercial clients prefer snow removal/hauling. Here is what you can find in a typical seasonal snow removal agreement: SCOPE OF WORK This details the services that the client and contractor have agreed on and may include shoveling, de-icing, snow plowing, snow hauling, and sidewalk clearing. It also lists the materials and equipment to be used, a site map, the size of the crew, and the trigger (the amount of snow that should be accumulated before the contractor begins work). It is important to be as detailed as possible. Terms of payment This details the agreed pricing, payment schedule, and payment method. Ideally, this should also include a breakdown of costs and mention any other potential add-ons that might come up later, if any. Performance and expectations This part of the snow removal agreement details how the client and the contractor will communicate and how frequently throughout the duration of the contract. This is also where important terms such as “snow event” and “immediately” should be clearly defined. Insurance In this section, details of the contractor’s insurance (required) should be clearly laid out. This is also the part where any certifications and specializations by the staff and removal crew is mentioned, such as the Snow & Ice Management Association, Accredited Snow Contractors Association, and more. Terms and conditions There are four kinds of commercial snow removal contracts, with inclusions depending on the client’s needs for the season. Contracts are generally priced based on a “typical” winter but rates can be subject to adjustments as no winter is ever the same. We will take a look at some of them below to determine which type of snow removal contract works best for certain situations. Types of Commercial Snow Removal Contracts There are four kinds of commercial snow removal contracts, with inclusions depending on the client’s needs for the season. Contracts are generally priced based on a “typical” winter but rates can be subject to adjustments as no winter is ever the same. We will take a look at some of them below to determine which type of snow removal contract works best for certain situations. Seasonal A seasonal snow removal contract has fixed pricing, making it easier to plan and stick to a budget. No matter how many times it snows throughout the duration of the contract (usually two to five years), clients will pay one flat rate. Many clients and contractors prefer working on a seasonal contract because it does away with having to go through a long vetting process each season. If the winter is mild in the first year but then becomes heavy in the second year, services are balanced out, translating to a win for both parties. Pay Per Push (Per Inch) This is a simple pay-as-you-go option that is availed only when necessary. Charges will be on a per-visit basis and computed per inch of snow. If there is a huge snowstorm, clients will have to pay more. For areas that do not experience snow frequently, this snow removal contract is cost-efficient, but for those that have large and frequent snowfalls, a seasonal or per-event contract will be more beneficial. Pay Per Event This type of snow removal contract applies only when it snows or during a certain winter event. Typical contracts cover one 24-hour period for every event, so clients can have their properties cleared several times as long as these happen within the time frame. If a snowstorm happens over three days, this means that clients will pay thrice the amount for three events, which can be difficult to budget for if the weather is intermittent. Pay Per Hour This is a simple snow removal contract that charges only for the time spent clearing the snow. If there are only a few inches of snow on the property, it may take only about an hour or two to get the job done. This will obviously not work for areas with frequent and heavy snowfall. Some contractors also charge extra fees for the materials used during this short-term project, including salt or de-icing materials. 5 Benefits of Getting a Seasonal Commercial Snow Removal Contract There are many benefits to consider when looking at a seasonal snow removal agreement for your commercial property. Here are five key reasons why getting a seasonal contract is a good idea for businesses: Predictability – A seasonal snow removal contract provides clients with some certainty during what can be a chaotic time. Knowing the price they will pay and when the service begins and ends allows businesses to budget better and avoid any surprise charges. Convenience – Seasonal contracts are often easier to get approved, as clients do not have to go through the same long vetting process each year. This means less paperwork and faster service when a snowstorm hits. Savings – In most cases, seasonal contracts are more affordable than pay-as-you-go or per-event contracts. This can save businesses money, especially if there is a lot of snow during the contract period. Peace of Mind – When a business owner signs a seasonal commercial snow removal contract, they are entrusting their property to a qualified contractor.

NEWS IMPORTANT NEW YORK STATE SNOW REMOVAL LAWS FOR BUSINESSES In New York State, there are laws in place governing snow removal from sidewalks and public spaces. These laws apply to all businesses, regardless of size or location, so it is essential that you understand what your responsibilities are as a business owner or property manager.Failure to clear the walkways in front of your commercial property can result in fines, penalties, and possible lawsuits. In this post, we will provide an overview of the laws and explain what you need to do to stay compliant and protected. NEW YORK STATE SNOW REMOVAL LAWS New York State snow removal rules apply to all commercial properties since they are considered a “public place,” covering small businesses, large corporations, shopping centers, hotels, apartment complexes, and similar establishments. All owners and landlords of commercial properties must take action to ensure that their sidewalks are clear at all times after a reasonable amount of snow accumulates (generally 4 inches) or after a specific time has passed after the snow has fallen. Failure to do so can result in fines, penalties, and lawsuits. WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR REMOVING SNOW FROM SIDEWALKS? As a business owner or landlord, you are responsible for snow removal from the sidewalks on your property. This includes parking lots and any other outdoor space that is accessible to the public (including courtyards, stairways, and decks).If you are not sure if your property qualifies as a “public place,” it is always best to err on the side of caution and act as if it does. WHAT LANDLORDS OWE TENANTS New York State law mandates that landlords must remove snow and ice from all sidewalks abutting their properties within 4 to 14 hours after the snow has stopped falling. If the removal is not done during this period due to weather conditions (snow, sleet, or hail), it must be done within 24 hours of the end of the weather event that caused the snow or ice. If you own a commercial property, this legislation means that you must ensure your sidewalks are clear of snow and ice within a specific time frame after the snow stops falling. SNOW REMOVAL DEADLINES IN NEW YORK STATE Here are the deadlines for snow removal in New York state. If the snow stops falling between: 7:00 a.m. and 4:49 p.m. – Snow must be cleared within 4 hours. 5:00 p.m. and 8:59 p.m. – Snow must be removed within 14 hours. For example: If the snow stops falling at 7:00 p.m., the owner, lessee, tenant, occupant or other people in charge of any lot or building should make sure the property is clear by 9:00 a.m. 9:00 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. – Snow must be removed by 11:00 a.m. the next day. PENALTIES FOR FAILING TO REMOVE SNOW IN NEW YORK STATE Failure to comply with NYC snow removal rules can result in fines as much as $150 for the first offense and as high as $350 for additional offenses. Businesses may also be subject to lawsuits if an injured person falls on their unshoveled sidewalk or public space. For this reason, it’s crucial that you take snow removal seriously and act in accordance with the guidelines.Homeowners, property managers, businesses, or others, who do not comply, can face the following penalties: $100 to $150: 1st offense $150 to $350: 2nd offense $250 to $350: 3rd offense and subsequent WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAR SNOW FROM SIDEWALKS? There are a few simple things that will make the snow removal process much easier. You may apply the tips below to get started but it is always best to avoid manual labor and contact a professional and reputable snow clearing service to remove snow from sidewalks when possible. Shovel early and often. This allows you to clear off just an inch or two of new or freshly fallen snow at a time. This prevents the snow from becoming compacted. This makes the job easier if you suddenly get a large amount of new snowfall. Keep your shovel close at hand, so you can quickly access it whenever new snow accumulates. Shovel before the new storm arrives, even during light flurries. New York State law requires businesses to clear their sidewalks within 4 to 14 hours of the new snowfall’s end, even if it is still snowing. Do not use your shovel to pile new snow onto already-cleared areas. This causes the new snow to become compacted and “heavy.” You may use a snowblower for hard-packed new snow and ice (on flat surfaces) but be sure to clear down to the pavement with a scraper afterward. As you can see, it is critical that businesses comply with snow removal laws governing sidewalks, public spaces, and other roadways. People who own or manage commercial properties need to be cognizant of these nyc snow removal rules because you could potentially face steep fines if your property appears neglected. NEED TO CLEAR SNOW ASAP? CALL THE EXPERTS AT NOVUS MAINTENANCE If you are unsure about your new snow removal responsibilities, contact Novus Maintenance today. We are experts in New York’s snow removal laws and can clear any sidewalks regardless of the conditions. Novus is the premier provider of commercial snow clearing and ice management services for commercial properties in New York. We have been providing our clients with superior service for many years, so you can trust that your property is in good hands. We are fully insured to remove snow from your commercial area safely and properly.Contact Novus Maintenance for more information on how you can ensure that your NYC-based business is compliant with new snow removal laws. Our knowledgeable customer support team is always ready to help. 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