Best snow removal pros near Westminster, MD

Generally, the cost of ice dam removal is not covered by homeowners insurance because it is often considered preventable maintenance. However, the damage caused by ice dams is frequently covered. Depending on your policy, this can include interior water damage, roof collapses, and damage to shingles. Coverage for personal belongings affected by leaks may vary. It is important to check your policy details or contact your insurer to confirm what your plan covers. Keep in mind that any damage resulting from a DIY attempt to remove an ice dam will likely not be covered.

The cost to purchase a snow blower ranges from $100 to $2,300 on average, depending on the make, model, type, and age of the machine. More advanced two-stage and three-stage models, which are often self-propelled and include features like power steering and heated hand grips, can cost between $950 and $1,500 or more. If you only need a snow blower temporarily, you can rent one for an average of $75 per day from a local hardware store or rental facility.

Both rock salt and ice melt are naturally occurring salts. Rock salt is sodium chloride, which is the same as table salt. Ice melt products can be made from a combination of salts like magnesium chloride and calcium chloride or can be those salts alone.

Rock salt comes in large crystals, so it helps provide traction on icy surfaces, whereas ice melt products need to be mixed with sand to provide traction. Ice melt products work at lower temperatures than rock salt, so they might be a better choice if you have a harsh winter climate.

The process to winterize your landscaping depends on the plants you have, but generally speaking, you should rake your lawn to avoid leaves from smothering your grass and leading to mold and fungi growth, wrap young trees to protect from fluctuating temperatures, and fertilize your lawn to provide some nutrients for the grass through the colder temperatures. You can also consider marking off small trees and shrubs to avoid accidentally damaging them with snow removal tools.