You are probably wondering how to get started removing snow from your home. If you live in a cold region, then you know that snow removal can be a difficult task to handle. This undertaking is even more challenging when you do not have the tools or opt not to hire professional services to do the job for you. But you must acknowledge that there are many ways to deal with the ice and snow outside your home. You only need to find the best ways to remove snow so that it does not end up back on your property in an unwanted form.
This article will give you tips on how to remove snow from your home safely, efficiently, and correctly so that there are no problems with ice dams or water damage on your property once winter ends.
1. Consider Hiring A Professional
Hiring the services of a professional snow removal company will make the work much easier for you. Such a company will be able to do the job faster and more efficiently than you would by yourself. They have the right tools and equipment for the job and trained workers who know how to remove ice and snow from your driveway and walkways safely.
Also, a professional snow removal company has insurance covering their employees while working on your property to protect them against damage or any possible injuries if anything unexpected happens (such as slipping on ice). For instance, if something happens because of negligence or carelessness during this process, both parties should be covered by their respective policies.
2. Get The Right Tools
If you choose not to hire a professional snow and ice removal company, removing snow and ice outside your house can be challenging on your part if you do not have the right tools. So, you must use the right tools to keep you safe and make the process hassle-free. When dealing with snow and ice, there are many tools you can use. These include:
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Shovels
It is the most common tool and most affordable way of removing snow, but a shovel may not be enough depending on your situation. Shovels are helpful for small amounts of snow from your walkways or driveways, but for larger jobs like removing snow from large driveways or sidewalks, you’ll need something bigger than what most people keep in their garage.
There are many different types of shovels you can use for snow removal, so it’s best to select the right kind. Here are some things to keep in mind:
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- If you’ll be doing a lot of heavy lifting, choose a model with a blade length of at least 18 inches. It will give you more leverage when attempting to move large amounts of snow.
- If your goal is to move small patches of ice or light powdery snow, just about any shovel will do. The one exception is a pointed-blade model; these are designed primarily for digging narrow trenches and moving piles that have already been formed—not effective if what you’re looking for is easy cleaning up on any surface size scale!
- Plastic or rubber grips offer excellent comfort and grip even when wet; metal blades work better for heavier tasks but may be uncomfortable during prolonged exertion due to chafing from contact with skin (this problem can be alleviated by wearing gloves).
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Salt Spreaders
Salt spreaders are designed to ease the burden of shoveling snow by spreading salt or sand over large areas quickly and efficiently. They are adjustable for different types of use- from distributing salt evenly over large surfaces like driveways to applying it in more concentrated amounts near walkways or entrances where people are likely to slip on ice.
There are many different kinds on the market with varying features that make them suitable for varying purposes: from lightweight models that attach directly to your car, so you don’t need another vehicle for transport, to ones that hold an entire bag at once, and battery-operated ones.
If you want something less expensive than a snowblower (and don’t mind doing more work), try looking into buying one of these before winter hits. There are always many places to check for quality spreaders and this site is a good place to start.
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Snowblowers
If you have a problematic driveway during the winter months, investing in a good-quality snowblower might be worth considering. A snowblower will help clear more surface area than even the best-made shovel can handle. And since it does all the work for you without moving any heavy equipment around yourself (or even lifting anything), it’s nice not to have sore muscles after shoveling all morning long. There’s also no chance of hurting yourself while using one either because they come with safety features such as lights attached directly to them. So they’ll never leave anyone blinded while working outside after dark either.
3. Use Salt Wisely
Salt is not the best solution in dealing with ice and snow outside your home. Salt is only effective on less than three inches of deep snow, but when the snow gets over that amount, it’s better to try something else. If you need to use salt, here are some tips:
- If possible, use it before the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The colder the outside temperature; the more effective salt will be at melting ice and snow.
- Make sure there isn’t any grass or plants near where you plan to spread your salt; otherwise, they may get damaged by your crystals.
4. Add Traction To Your Driveway
Another way to keep your driveway clear of ice and snow is by adding a layer of sand or kitty litter. Sand works well because it’s heavy, and sinking into the snow will help keep it in place. Kitty litter is also effective, but you’ll have to spread it around more often since it sifts through the snow due to its lightweight.
To add traction to your driveway:
- Make sure you have the right tools before starting—you’ll need a shovel or broom for applying sand/kitty litter; large buckets are ideal for storing whichever type you buy.
- Apply a thick layer of sand/kitty litter on top of ice patches so that they get traction without falling over when people walk on them.
Remember, if your budget allows you to buy sand, you should do so to help you add traction to slippery pathways; its finer grits work better than the coarser pellets of kitty litter.
5. Consider A Roof Rake For Snow Removal
A roof rake is a tool that can remove ice and snow from your roof. It’s similar to a snow rake, but it has teeth on the end of its handle that allows you to dig into the ice or snow on your roof. The teeth are also helpful for getting rid of hard-packed snow so you can clear off a larger area at once.
If you buy one, there are some things worth knowing about how it works:
- A roof rake will pick up ice and snow from roofs. If you have an asphalt shingle roof, make sure you get one with metal tines—they’re easier on your shingles than plastic ones.
- When using your new tool (especially if it’s been sitting around in storage), ensure to lubricate everything properly before use; otherwise, things may freeze up during use (which could cause damage).
- After using the device to clear off all those pesky icicles hanging over your front door, store it somewhere where moisture won’t collect—underneath an eave or deck would work well here.
6. Test Any Ice-Melting Products Before Winter Arrives
When considering which ice-melting product to use, it’s essential to test them before winter arrives. If you don’t, you could be stuck with a product that doesn’t work as advertised or, worse: one that damages your concrete or asphalt driveway. To beat this, you need to work ahead of time around the time you start preparing your home for winter.
To properly test an ice-melting product, do the following:
- Test on a sunny day in an unshaded area of your driveway or sidewalk with no shade from trees or buildings nearby.
- Be sure the surface is dry and free of dirt so the product will work as intended. You may also want to sweep away dust and dirt first so it won’t interfere with the testing process.
You can use a shovel to spread out small amounts of each type of material under test at different points around your property (on top of an asphalt driveway or concrete sidewalk). Doing so can help you compare results easily without having them mixed on one spot where it might get covered up by snow later in the winter months when it’s time for another application. But not yet melted away entirely by springtime heat levels reaching 80 degrees Fahrenheit above average temperature levels.
7. Don’t Use Hot Water On Icy Surfaces
If you have any ice or snow on your property, you must be careful when walking around or on it.
One thing that can make ice slippery is the hot water poured on it. It creates a layer of slush that makes walking even more dangerous than just walking on pure ice would be! It also makes removing any remaining snow/ice harder because it’s more difficult for shovels and mops to break through the mixture at once
Be Smart In Removing Snow And Ice
Removing snow from your yard can seem a daunting and even dangerous task. Without the proper tools, knowledge, and precautions, it can become riskier than productive. But if you know what you’re doing, you can hire a professional to help you get the job done. Or you can also resort to the other ways presented in this article. Your yard will be cleared out in no time and without damaging your valuable property if you choose the right option.
