While removing the snow from sidewalks, driveways and other areas around your home is never an easy task, there are some things that you can do to make snow removal easier. Before the snow falls, be sure to have all of your snow removal tools in an easily accessible location and in the case of power tools, make certain they are working properly.
Snow Melter
In areas that only receive minimal snowfall amounts, snow melter may be all that is needed to keep your home clear of snow. It is important to choose snow melters that will not damage the concrete and other surfaces around your home. For best results, apply snow melter before the snow begins to fall or just after. An application of snow melter will keep all but the heaviest amounts of snow from accumulating on your sidewalks and driveway. In areas that receive large amounts of snow, snow melter is still useful to remove ice and packed snow after removing the bulk of the snow with other tools.
Keep it Clean
Though not always possible, if you are home while the snow is falling make multiple trips outside to remove the snow. When there is only a few inches of snow on the ground, removal will be easier than after the storm is over. When removing snow as it is falling, it isn’t important to remove every last snowflake, just clean off the majority of the snow. Avoid leaving snow on your sidewalks or driveway overnight, as the falling temperatures can cause the snow to freeze making it more difficult to remove.
Use the Right Tools
Though the snow shovel is the traditional tool for removing snow, it isn’t always the best. For busting and scraping, a square / flat point shovel is often better than a snow shovel. A snow pusher is also better than a snow shovel for removing deep snow. A snow pusher is a wheeled tool with a large scoop that a homeowner can push down driveways and sidewalks to remove the snow. The scoop is not as precise as a snow shovel, but it can make the work of removing deep snow faster and easier. A snow thrower is the best choice for removing snow quickly. Though expensive, a homeowner can save money on a snow thrower by buying used. As snow throwers are usually only used only a few days a year, you can often find a used one in good condition for sale at a great price.