5 Helpful Snow Removal Tips

If you live in a northern climate, snow is almost inevitable in the winter. While nobody likes shoveling their driveways, there are a few things you can do to make the process a little easier and safer. 

A general handyman services company will be able to help shovel your driveway or walkways as well as keep snow from piling up in areas you don’t want it. Regardless, here are some snow removal tips to use when the next big snowstorm hits:

5 Snow Removal Tips for Your Next Post-Blizzard Cleanup

Place Stakes to Mark Your Driveway and Sidewalks

Whether you hire a company to handle your snow removal for you or you’re doing it yourself, using brightly-colored snow stakes to mark the edges of your driveway or sidewalks can help.

You can use four to six driveway markers to line most normal two-car driveways. You can also use them to mark fire hydrants, gas meters and other things that might be hard to see in the snow. 

Apply Ice Melt Before the Storm

A slippery walkway or driveway can be dangerous, so don’t wait until after ice has formed to throw your rock salt.

Applying ice melt directly to the ground before a snowstorm, or before precipitation has a chance to freeze is the most effective way to manage icy surfaces. 

Wear the Right Shoes

Beyond your standard hat, scarf, gloves and coat, you should also invest in solid footwear to protect yourself from slipping on ice.

You can purchase shoes with special cleats designed for winter weather (note: these are different from sports cleats!), or pull-on cleats like Yaktrax that work the same way that tire chains do for your car. 

Bundle Up

Don’t forget to layer up, especially if your driveway takes a while to shovel.

Under the right conditions, frostbite can develop in two hours or less, depending on the air temperature and windchill.

Wear water-resistant hats, gloves, scarves and coats with enough layers underneath to keep you warm for the entire time. 

Be Careful Removing Snow From Roof

It can be tempting to go out and shovel often or to try and get snow off your roof. But do it safely.

If the temperatures are too low or there’s too much snow for you to move, don’t try to push it. You can always reach out to a general handyman services company to help you. 

When in doubt, call an expert for snow removal help

If you or a loved one need help safely removing snow and ice from your home this winter, reach out to Handyman Connection today. We’re a general handyman services company offering snow removal and home maintenance services to keep your home safe and secure this winter.