Snow removal is a task that many homeowners need to complete every year. It can be challenging to know how to remove snow from your property. Here are some tips on the best ways for you to safely and effectively clear away all that white, fluffy stuff.
1) KNOW YOUR SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT
When you have a snowstorm, if you don’t want to hire a professional you can call a rental company to provide a snow-blower or rent one from them if you don’t own one already. Also, find out what kind of shovels they offer for rent and buy at least two of them so that when one gets clogged with snow, you can use the other one while cleaning out the clogged one.
2) WET THE SNOW DOWN FIRST
If you’re clearing your driveway, wetting down the snow can be helpful because it’ll make it easier for you to push the snow around. Just don’t soak it so much that water gets on your car or pavement, as then you’ll have more trouble than before. Depending on the temperature this can also create a icy situation which you’ll need to be careful with.
3) WARM UP FIRST
Before you hurl yourself into a flurry of snow shoveling, warm up a bit first. A quick jog around the block should do the trick, as it will get your blood flowing and muscles moving.
4) CLEAR SIDEWALKS FIRST
The biggest priority in snow removal is to make sure your sidewalks are clear of any snow or ice. Not only are they useful for pedestrians, but they also help to provide accessibility for individuals who are pushing trashcans, etc.
5) CLEAR STAIRS AFTERWARDS
Once you have removed snow from your sidewalks, it’s time to handle the stairs. Be sure to clear both the top and bottom stairs of any snow or ice before moving on so pedestrians can safely ascend and descend the steps.
6) CLEAR DRIVEWAY LAST
Once you have dealt with your sidewalks and stairs, clear the driveway of snow. In general, it’s best to wait until all other tasks are finished before moving on to this chore – just in case Mother Nature drops a couple more inches while you’re working.
7) USE SALT INSTEAD OF SHOVELING
Using ice melt to clear your driveway of ice can help avoid expensive slips and falls that shoveling snow might cause. Salt is the best option for melting ice as it won’t damage concrete, brick, or stone surfaces.
8) MAKE A SNOW REMOVAL PLAN
Evaluate your property and decide how you will handle the snow removal process for each area ahead of time. This will improve safety and efficacy when the storm hits, preventing future injuries from slips and falls during your winter task.
9) DON’T RUSH THE JOB
Use a snow rake to gently pull away excess snow near pavement and other areas where salt has already been spread. Raking out the snow first will prevent you from having to shovel it later, preventing unnecessary strain on your body.
10) CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Finally, you must consult your doctor about any winter tasks that might impact your health status. This is especially true if you have a medical condition or are taking medication/supplements that may make outdoor activity dangerous.
CONCLUSION:
Managing snow is a huge task, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. The most important thing to remember when it comes to snow removal is safety. Here at Cutting Edge we can take care of all your snow removal needs. Call us today for more details and get a free quote on snow removal for residential and commercial properties.