Winter is a wonderful time of year for so many reasons including celebrating holidays, enjoying sports like skiing and snowboarding, as well as the quiet beauty of the first snowfall. One of the more frustrating aspects of winter is snow removal. If you suffer from a case of the “I-don’t-want-to’s” when it comes to removing snow from your walkway and driveway, then check out the following 5 tips for easy and safe snow removal so you can get the job done then enjoy a cup of cocoa by the fire!
Get A Good Shovel
First things first, make sure you have a quality shovel — one that is sturdy and will hold up under the weight of heavy snow. The key is to shovel often. This helps you keep up with falling snow and ensures that you just have snow to move and not ice that can form underneath the snow if left on a surface to melt and refreeze. If you find the job is just too much, consider a snowblower that can help with the physical demands of snow removal.
Be Careful Not To Place The Snow Around Your Foundation
A common mistake made by homeowners is the placement of snow when they are removing it. Be cautious not to put the snow near the foundation of your home. This can cause pipes to freeze and the foundation to crack.
Use Stakes To Mark Your Driveway And Walkway
It may sound like overkill but placing stakes to mark your driveway and walkways is always a good idea. Once the snow starts falling, it can be hard to tell where the location of your driveway and sidewalk is. Avoid damage to your grass and landscape by taking the extra step to place stakes this winter.
Consider Using An Ice Melt Product
You have plenty of options when it comes to melting ice to avoid an injury if someone were to slip and fall. Consider all the options and the consequences when deciding whether to use sodium chloride, calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate, or urea. Some of these can harm your plants, pets, or even the flooring of your house if tracked indoors, so choose wisely.
Be Safe
Shoveling snow is a physically demanding job that should be done with caution, especially if you are older or in poor health. Here are just a few safety tips to help you stay injury-free this winter:
- Bend your knees and lift with your legs instead of bending over and using your back.
- Switch back and forth from your right hand to your left hand every few minutes as you shovel so that you don’t put too much strain on one side of your body.
- When necessary, break up the job into segments. Don’t try to do too much at one time. If the job is just simply too much, call a snow removal service for help.
If you are looking for reliable commercial or residential snow services in the Fargo-Moorhead area, contact us today.