8 Crucial Snow Removal Tips Everyone Should Know

 Tanya LaRose  0comments  01.12.2022

When selling your home in the wintertime, it is important to keep your driveway and walkways clear of snow. This makes it easier for potential buyers to come view your home, but also prevents injuries from happening on your property.

1. Safety first when shoveling – before anything else, safety should be your priority even when shoveling snow. The most common injury related to shoveling is on the lower back, while cardiac-related injuries are also reported. With this, here are some safety recommendations that you should follow before and while shoveling:

o Do not shovel if you have a history of heart disease – a clear driveway is not worth it. If you do not have a doctor’s clearance, do not shovel.

o Warm-up – just like with any physical activities, warming up and light stretches should be done first. Start slow and don’t over-exert yourself. Also, do not shovel while smoking or after eating.

o Wear proper clothing – wear layers to make sure that comfortable body temperature is maintained.

o Push don’t lift – to reduce body strain, push the snow with the shovel instead of lifting. In case you need to lift, lift with your legs and not your back. Also, just partially fill the shovel when lifting.

o Multiple trips could be done – you don’t have to do everything in one go. You can shovel periodically to avoid moving a large amount of snow.

o Stay hydrated and rest – make sure you are hydrated while shoveling. Also, don’t over-exert by resting every 20-30 minutes especially if the snow is wet.

2. Choose a good shovel – a bigger shovel doesn’t mean better. Always choose ergonomically designed shovels. A good shovel will reduce strain in your body especially on your back and arms. This is a good investment for you especially if you live in areas with heavy snow.

3. Use your leaf blower – for light fluffy snow, you can bring out your leaf blower from the autumn season and use it on your walkways, driveways, steps, and even cars. But having a snow blower is a good investment especially for heavy and wet snow. Snow blowers could cost up to $500 but will surely make your job easier than just shoveling.

4. Shovel often – fresh snow is lighter and fluffier. If you wait for too long, the snow will become wetter, heavier, and harder to move. If you delay shoveling until the next day, the snow will stick to the ground and could even freeze, raising the effort needed.

5. Use a tarp or canvas painting drop cloth to speed things up – Simply place a tarp or canvas painting drop cloth (or any sturdy cloth) to exposed walkways, sidewalks, porch steps, and even your car when snow is predicted. So, when the snow stops or as you leave the house in the morning, you just need to drag the snow-filled plastic tarp or cloth to uncover a clear path. Work smart!

6. Do not place the removed snow near the foundation – when removing snow from your driveway, roof, or deck, don’t pile the snow to the side of your house. This is to avoid potential issues like cracks in your house’s foundation and frozen pipes.

7. Buy snow melting products – if you want to make your steps slip-free, consider purchasing snow melting mats or pellets. This will avoid an accumulation of snow and ice on your driveway or walkway. An alternative to these products is sand.

8. Remove snow on roofs – Heavy snow could cause damage to your roof. With this, removing snow is important. If you don’t have the right equipment or experience, we recommend that you call in the professionals for safety.

Depending on where you live, snow is something that you must put up with for a extended period of time. Though it may look beautiful, it could also cause inconvenience and extra work. Utilize these tips above to reduce the hassle and to make your home look the best it can be when it is time to sell. Happy Holidays!