Snow Removal · Winter Services

Snow removal in Nevada County isn't occasional—it's November through April, sometimes May. We handle driveways, walkways, decks, and stairs with shovels and blowers depending on access and snow type. Wet, heavy snow needs different equipment than powder, and we adjust based on what's falling. Roof clearing is critical when snow depth hits 2-3 feet or if ice dams form. We use roof rakes and manual clearing methods—no metal shovels that gouge shingles. Ice dams happen when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and refreezes at the eave. The ice backs up under shingles and leaks into the house. If you see icicles longer than a foot or water stains on interior ceilings near exterior walls, you likely have a dam forming. We remove the ice carefully and identify the heat loss source—often inadequate attic insulation or unsealed penetrations around vents and chimneys. Heat tape installation happens before winter. We run self-regulating cable along gutters, downspouts, and eaves where ice dams typically form. This isn't a fix for poor insulation, but it prevents ice buildup in vulnerable spots. Installation takes a few hours for a typical roofline, and the cable plugs into a standard outlet. We test it before the first snow and check it mid-season if you're having problems. We also repair snow damage—deck railings that collapsed under load, broken deck boards, roof damage from sliding snow or ice. If your deck wasn't built for snow load (40-50 psf is code in this area), you'll see problems after heavy winters. We rebuild to current standards so it doesn't fail again. Snow removal is on-call work. We prioritize based on urgency—roof risk, accessibility, whether someone is trapped. Expect response within 24 hours during active storms, faster for emergencies like roof leaks or structural damage. If you need regular clearing through the season, we can set up a schedule and check in after every storm.

“Ice dams happen when heat escapes through the roof, melts snow, and refreezes at the eave—the ice backs up under shingles and leaks into the house.”