For new and veteran owners alike, snow and ice can wreak havoc on homes. From cracked concrete to gutter damage, to costly and dangerous slip-and-fall accidents, managing snow and ice removal is critically important.
As such, our top 7 snow and ice removal tips include:
- Prioritizing safety
- Choosing the right deicing material
- Purchasing the right snow shovel
- Waxing your snow shovel
- Using your leaf blower
- Investing in a snow blower or snow thrower
- Enlisting the neighborhood kids
Prioritizing Safety
First and foremost, when it comes to snow and ice removal, safety should never be overlooked.
Many common injuries can occur while you’re working outside in the winter, including:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Lacerations
- Amputations
As snow and ice removal can be exhausting work, there is also a risk of heart attack or exhaustion, and the cold presents the risk of hypothermia and slip-and-fall accidents. In fact, in the US, roughly 100 people die each winter while shoveling snow.
To ensure you remain safe while tending to the snow and ice, consider following a few simple safety tips.
Dress for the Weather
A warm jacket, shoes with traction, hat and gloves will go a long way in keeping you comfortable and productive. Depending on the weather, you may also want goggles or snow pants. Layers are helpful as you may work up a sweat while pushing the shovel.
Start Early
Don’t let snow and ice build up over time. Consider setting a schedule and getting outside to shovel, say, once every two hours. That way, the job is quicker, easier and less stressful on the body.
Prioritize Visibility
Always ensure you can clearly see the area you’re working on. Prioritize adequate lighting, and never let a hat or scarf block your eyes. If the snow is too thick to properly see through, go inside and try again later.
Use Good Form
Consider stretching or otherwise warming up your muscles before you get started. Take breaks as needed, and drink plenty of water. If you have to lift any snow, lift with your legs and transport in small batches.
Speak with your Doctor
When in doubt, consider confirming with your doctor that you’re clear to manage manual snow removal. After all, better safe than sorry!
Choosing the Right Deicing Material
Your choice of deicer could mean the difference between a clear, safe path and serious risk of slip and fall. When it comes to choosing the right one, consider your material, project size and budget.
Common options include:
- Solium chloride, or rock salt, which prevents moisture from accumulating. It is relatively inexpensive, but keep in mind that it may damage concrete and can be toxic if ingested by children or pets.
- Sand or kitty litter, which don’t necessarily melt the ice, but help provide traction on top of it. Both materials are affordable, easy to find and often chemical-free but may get tracked into your home via boots and shoes. They can also clog street gutters and sewers, so you’ll need to sweep up once spring arrives.
- Coffee grounds can also help, assuming you have enough on hand! The dark color absorbs sunlight, and the naturally occurring nitrogen speeds up ice melt. Of course, the texture will also provide some traction for walking or driving. The catch? You’ll need a lot of grounds to make a meaningful difference, considering the average driveway size.
Heated snow melting mats or even a tarp you can simply drag out of the way are also options.
Purchasing the Right Snow Shovel
When it comes to snow and ice removal, you’re only as good as your tool of choice. You’ll want to invest in a shovel that:
- Feels comfortable for your height and hand size
- Is made of durable materials
- Is light enough for long snow removal sessions
- Boasts ergonomic features
- Is comfortably within your price range
Regardless of your model of choice, you might also consider a detachable second handle, which makes snow and ice removal safer, easier and much more comfortable.
Waxing Your Snow Shovel
Coating your shovel’s scoop in a lubricating material can help cut down on time and effort. This is because oils and other water-repellent ingredients can help prevent snow and ice from building up on the scoop, meaning less weight you have to continually push back and forth. All you’ll need is a little spray every so often!
Popular lubricants include:
- Spray-on cooking oil
- WD-40
- Furniture polish
- Car wax
- Petroleum jelly
- Jojoba oil
- Saw lubricant
When you notice your shovel’s scoop starting to hold onto a significant amount of snow or ice, simply reapply and get right back to it.
Using Your Leaf Blower
Don’t put that leaf blower in storage just yet! As it turns out, these tools come in handy even when the trees have all lost their leaves.
If you happen to have lighter snow, consider using your leaf blower to blow snow directly off of paths and walkways.
Of course, this may not be an option for heavy, sticky snow or stubborn ice. But, if your area is prone to light dustings, this trick could save you time, energy and money, if you’re considering investing in another expensive snow removal tool.
Investing in a Snow Blower or Snow Thrower
If you are ready to invest in the most advanced method of snow and ice removal, nothing can compare to a snow blower or snow thrower.
Do some research on brands and models to determine the right fit for you. Don’t forget to factor in:
- Size, for both the scope of your project and your storage options
- Single-stage, two-stage or three-stage, or the number of augers
- Driveway construction and slope
- Average snowfall depth
- Snow type
- Steering capabilities
- Plastic chute versus metal chute
- Headlights
- Tires
- Gas engine, electric engine, or battery-powered
- Price
Enlisting the Neighborhood Kids
If you can’t manage snow removal all by yourself, or if you just feel like being the fun neighbor, consider enlisting some of the neighborhood kids to help.
Paying kids to shovel snow is an age-old tradition and it’s easy to see why. Everybody wins! You get to stay out of the cold and enjoy a freshly shoveled drive while they walk away with some spending money. Or perhaps you could sponsor a neighborhood-wide snowman contest! Kids can move snow from your driveway and paths to the front lawn, then see who can construct the winner. First prize could also include spending money, but all participants could enjoy some complimentary hot chocolate or holiday cookies.
Snow and Ice Removal Tips for a Cool Winter
While this winter is shaping up to be extra cool, damage due to snow and ice is anything but. Take advantage of just a few pro tips to safely and efficiently navigate this season, whether you’re a first-time homeowner or not. Happy shoveling!
Published on December 26, 2022
