As a Canadian, clearing snow off your property can be one of the most dreaded winter chores. It takes a lot of time and you can risk serious injury if it is not done correctly.
To make things a little easier for you, here are some tips to help you with snow removal this winter.
Shovel Light Snow Regularly
Rather than waiting for 2-3 feet to pile up on your driveway, aim to shovel snow while it’s still relatively light.
Don’t wait for it to stop falling completely, “set a schedule to lightly shovel every one to two hours, depending on how long the snowfall is supposed to last.” - Family Handyman
Try to avoid driving or walking over the snow before you get started. The extra weight can further compact the snow, making removal even more difficult. Therefore, tread lightly and clear snow at regular intervals to make the job more bearable.
Choose The Right Tools For The Job
The right shovel can make all the difference. Make sure you consider things like height, blade type and grip.
Depending on the severity of winter, you might end up using your shovel frequently throughout the season. Don’t use a blade that’s too light, too heavy, too long or too short.
Shovels come in a few blade types that are useful for different reasons. Here’s a rundown from SnowShovels.net:
Metal blades - will chip through the ice and carry heavier loads while holding up to obstacles such as deck screws or gravel. They are strong, durable and capable of carrying much more than their plastic counterparts.
Plastic blades - are lightweight, flexible and easy to maneuver. Being much lighter than metal blades, they can be handled easily and move quickly.
Combination blades - This gives you the strength of the metal edge for ice, but the lightweight of the plastic blade.
Use Tarps & Towels On Exposed Surfaces
One popular snow removal hack includes covering exposed surfaces with tarps or towels. After the snow stops, you can simply remove the fabric and shake off the snow. This is especially useful if you have to clear a patch of grass for your dog or quickly remove snow from your windshield.
“Gently lift your windshield wiper and place a towel under the wiper and hold it with the wiper. This is an easy way of keeping your windshield safe from frost and condensation overnight. It also prevents the wipers from freezing to your windshield.” - Landmodo
Remember, towels and sheets will only work in milder temperatures. For extreme cold, use something sturdier like a piece of cardboard that won't freeze to the surface.
Use a Shovel Attachment
Shovel handle attachments, like The Heft, are also a great accessory and will help to make manual snow removal a lot easier.
“There are several [shovel attachments] on the market that allow you to take your favourite shovel and make it better by attaching the removable handle in a spot of your choice to get a better hand position.” - Family Handyman
Removing snow by hand can be time-consuming and even dangerous. You can always use a snowblower if the snow is too wet and heavy. Otherwise, follow these shovelling tips and the job will be less of a strain on your time and your back!
No one likes shovelling their driveway in the winter, do they? What about if you own a business and have to make sure the parking lot is cleared for customers? Fear not! We’ve got your back. Contact us today for a FREE quote! We’ve been helping Kingston and the surrounding area with their snow removal needs for over 15 years!