Equipment failure during a major storm is one of the scenarios business owners rarely think about until it happens, but it's worth understanding how a professional snow removal company handles it, since the answer says a lot about their reliability.
A well-run contractor maintains equipment year-round, not just at the start of the season, which reduces the odds of a breakdown happening at the worst possible time. Regular maintenance checks, especially before the first major storm of the season, catch problems before they become mid-storm failures.
Backup equipment and fleet redundancy matter more than most clients realize when comparing contractors. A company running a single truck with no backup has no way to recover if that truck goes down mid-storm, while a company with additional equipment or mutual aid arrangements can reroute and keep service moving.
Communication when a breakdown does happen is critical. A contractor who proactively lets you know about a delay caused by equipment failure, along with a realistic revised timeline, is far more valuable than one who goes silent and leaves you wondering what's happening with your property.
Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- How is equipment checked before and during the season?
- What happens to my property if a machine goes down during a storm?
- How will I be told about a delay, and by whom?
- Will I get a record of when my site was actually serviced?
- Is the company insured and WSIB registered?
Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Vague promises that nothing ever goes wrong are not, because breakdowns happen to every fleet eventually.
What You Can Do on Your Side
Keep a basic backup plan for the most important spots, such as a shovel and a bucket of de-icer by the main entrance, so staff can make the door safe if a crew is delayed. Make sure your contractor has a current contact who can make decisions on storm days, and that gates and access codes are up to date so crews do not lose time getting in. Before the season, mark curbs, drains and other hazards so equipment is not damaged by hidden obstacles, which is one of the common causes of mid-storm breakdowns.
Why Records Matter When Things Go Wrong
If service is late, a time-stamped record shows exactly when the site was cleared. That helps you judge the contractor fairly and protects you if a slip-and-fall claim is ever made for that day. Keep these records with your own notes about conditions.
How We Work
We price every commercial site individually and send the quote within 2 business days, and we do not publish commercial prices. Every visit comes with a timestamped photo. We carry $2,000,000 liability insurance, are WSIB registered and are a member of the London Property Management Association.
Long Storms Raise the Stakes
Breakdowns are most likely when equipment works hardest, during long storms with heavy or wet snow and repeated passes. That is also when a delay hurts most, because snow keeps piling up while the site waits. Ask whether your contract includes return visits during long storms, and how the contractor decides which areas are cleared first when time is short. A clear priority list, such as main entrances, fire routes and accessible parking first, means that even a delayed crew starts with the spots that matter most.
Equipment Breakdown FAQ
Should my contract mention breakdowns?
It is reasonable to ask how delays are communicated and handled. Get the answer in writing.
Do you send proof of each visit?
Yes. Every visit comes with a timestamped photo.
Want a contractor who keeps you informed? Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702. See commercial snow removal and property managers.
What's included… and what's extra
A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.
Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.
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Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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