How Can I Make Snow Removal Easier in the Winter?

There are few things less satisfying than drinking hot chocolate by the fire while watching the snowfall outside. There’s so much to look forward to in the winter season, but one of the most unpleasant parts of winter is constantly having to clear the snow off your driveway. The good news is that snow removal doesn’t have to be the most time consuming and laborious part of your day. If you follow the right steps and take the necessary precautions, shoveling your property can become a lot easier and only take a fraction of the time and effort you usually put into it.

Preparing for the Storm

The first step you should take when you’re expecting a snowstorm, is to prepare your driveways and walkways. If you’re expecting a significant amount of snow, you should put up stakes around your driveway so you’re aware of how large your driveway is. This may seem like an unnecessary step, but if there is more snow than expected, it will become nearly impossible for you to discern how large the area is for you to clear without the help of stakes. You should also make sure you have a good shovel and other snow cleaning equipment on hand before the snowstorm hits. This may require you to spend a little extra, but you will definitely find the purchase worth-while when the time comes to actually shovel the snow. An aluminum blade shovel or a heavy plastic shovel can do wonders in making it easier to clear your pavement. An S-blade shovel is better for heavy snowfalls, and a C-blade shovel is better for lighter snowfalls. If you want to save more time, you can take the higher-end option by investing in a snowblower. Of course, this is an expensive purchase, but it will save you a lot of time and save your energy as well. There are many different snow blowers to choose from so you should make sure to rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of the machine compared to its cost and the other alternatives available. You also have the option of purchasing used snow equipment to save money, but this is not recommended. Used snow equipment can have more problems than benefits and you have no way of knowing how efficiently it will work so it is always better to pay more but purchase a new one.

Using Deicing Chemicals to Remove the Ice

One of the most common ways to remove ice off your pavement safely is through using chemical deicers. Chemical deicing salts work by loosening the bond between the ice and the pavement and also by lowering the melting point of ice so it becomes much easier to remove. You can apply deicing solutions to your pavement and your vehicle before the snow arrives to decrease the chances of ice formation. You can also place the salt on the snow after the ice has already formed to speed up the melting process.

Staying Safe During Shoveling

When you’re dealing with large amounts of snow, things can get a little dangerous. The best way to ensure your safety while shoveling is to hire a snow removal service to get the job done properly for you. However, if you decide to go ahead with the snow removal process yourself, you should keep these points in mind:

• Dress as warmly as possible
• Keep your shovel close to you
• Shovel the snow alternating both hands to reduce strain
• Clear the snow in sections and take frequent breaks
• Take the help of family and friends

To ensure your driveway stays clear of snow so you can easily pull into the driveway after a long day at work, you should shovel as frequently as possible.

What Should I do About the Snow on My Roof?

When heavy snowstorms hit, it becomes essential for you to not just take care of the snow around your house, but you also need to concern yourself with the snow on top of your house. If your roof is completely flat, you have the option of climbing on it and shoveling it yourself. If you wish to pursue this route, then you should take extra precaution for your well-being and make sure you don’t come near the edges of the roof. If your roof is sloped then you can use a roof rake to remove the snow from the top, but once again, you should make sure to prioritize your safety and ensure no snow falls directly on you or anyone else in the area.

What Mistakes Should I Avoid When Clearing the Snow?

When shoveling, most homeowners make the mistake of piling the snow near the foundation of their house. Making this error is understandable because when you have the daunting task of cleaning the entire driveway in front of you, the location of where you pile the snow seems insignificant. However, piling the snow by the foundation of your home can result in the pipes freezing, and it may even create cracks in the foundation of your house. Another common mistake homeowners make when shoveling their snow is that they start the snow removal process without a plan. If you have a larger property, then you will have to make a snow-removal plan beforehand. When the snow is falling in sheets you need to work fast and make sure you remove the snow in the most important areas for your safety. If there is too much snow, you should consider hiring a snow removal service to have the snow removed on your behalf.

Hiring a Snow Removal Service

You can avoid the hassle of dealing with clearing your driveway by hiring a proper snow removal service. The biggest advantage of taking this route is that the specialists bring their own equipment and clear your desired location professionally, so your driveway becomes clear of snow and completely safe for everyone. Get in touch with a lawn-care professional at Divine Lawns to discuss the various snow-removal options available for you and to get advice on the best way to keep your driveway safe during the harsh winter weather.