Getting rid of snow can be a real chore, especially if you live in an area that gets heavy snowfall every winter. Shoveling snow is hard work and can put a lot of strain on your back and body. Fortunately, there are ways to clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas without having to shovel it all by hand.
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Use a Snow Blower
A snow blower or snow thrower is a must-have for anyone who needs to clear large areas of snow frequently. Snow blowers use an auger or impeller to scoop up and throw the snow out of the way. They come in single-stage and two-stage models, with two-stage blowers being more powerful and able to handle heavier, wetter snow. Gas-powered snow blowers are ideal for big driveways and walks, while electric snow blowers are good for smaller areas. Be sure to get a snow blower with enough clearing width for the areas you need to clean.
Tips for Using a Snow Blower Effectively
- Clear snow as soon as possible after snowfall before it has a chance to become packed down and icy
- Go slow and overlap passes to ensure all snow is removed
- Adjust the chute direction to avoid throwing snow onto cleared areas
- Lift up on the handles to keep the front from riding over packed snow
- Make multiple passes, gradually increasing the depth cleared each pass
Try a Snow Plow Service
Hiring a professional snow plow service is an excellent hands-off way to keep your driveway and walkways clear all winter long. Snow plow companies use truck-mounted blades to efficiently plow snow from driveways and parking lots into piles or haul it away. Plow services are ideal for medium to large properties. Be sure to get quotes from multiple plow companies and look for bundled pricing options if you will need service after every snowfall.
Benefits of Using a Snow Plow Service
- Saves you time and labor shoveling yourself
- Professionals can clear snow thoroughly and efficiently
- No maintenance or operating costs for snow removal equipment
- Reliable service after each snowfall
- Avoid back injury and health risks of shoveling
Melt Snow with Salt or Deicers
Applying snow melting products is an easy way to clear walkways, steps, and other small areas. Rock salt, calcium chloride, and other snow melting chemicals work by lowering the freezing point of water. This causes the snow and ice to melt when spread over the surface. Be sure to use snow melting products specifically designed for use on concrete, asphalt, or other driveway and walkway materials.
How to Effectively Use Salt and Deicers
- Apply early before heavy snow or ice accumulation
- Spread evenly across entire surface area
- Reapply after plowing or shoveling to melt any remaining snow
- Use sparingly on concrete to avoid damage
- Sweep up excess after snow melts
Let the Sun Melt the Snow
When conditions are right, the sun can do most of the snow clearing work for you. On sunny days after a light snowfall, moving vehicles, foot traffic, and sunshine will naturally melt and clear snow from driveways and walkways. This passive method obviously won’t work after a major snowstorm, but it’s an easy non-shoveling option when there is minimal accumulation.
Best Conditions for Letting Sun Melt Snow
- Morning sun exposure on the snow covered area
- 1-3 inches of fresh snow accumulation
- High temperatures above 35°F during the day
- Clear skies to maximize sunshine
- Low humidity levels
Use a Roof Snow Rake
A roof snow rake or roof rake is a long-handled rake designed to safely remove snow buildup from roofs and overhangs. Allowing too much snow to accumulate on the roof can lead to collapsed roofs and water damage. A roof rake allows you to stand on the ground and pull the snow off without having to climb up on a ladder or pay for costly roof shoveling.
Tips for Effective Roof Snow Removal
- Clear snow before it reaches more than 6-12 inches in depth
- Work progressively in 3-4 foot sections across and down the roof
- Keep the rake head flat and shingle granules will fall off into gutters
- Don’t use excessive force which can damage shingles
- Clear snow from all overhangs, dormers, and valleys
| Snow Removal Method | Best For | Equipment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Snow blower | Driveways, walks, decks | Gas or electric snow blower |
| Snow plow service | Long driveways, parking lots | None – hired service |
| Salt/deicers | Walkways, steps, small areas | Salt, calcium chloride, deicer |
| Let sun melt snow | Driveways, walks, patios | None – passive method |
| Roof rake | Roofs, overhangs | Roof snow rake |
Conclusion
Shoveling snow is hard, exhausting work. Luckily there are a number of ways to effectively remove snow without ever lifting a shovel. Using equipment like snow blowers and roof rakes allow you to move snow with minimal effort. Hiring a professional plow service takes snow removal off your to-do list completely. You can also reduce your workload by letting the sun melt lighter snow accumulations or applying ice melting chemicals in small areas. Consider which of these labor-saving options can work for your unique snow clearing needs.