Homeowners Guide: Why Remove Snow From Your Driveway?

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Homeowners sometimes assume that driveway snow removal is not vital during winter time. They might be especially inclined to ignore this issue if they don’t plan on going anywhere anytime soon! However, removing snow from a driveway is important even for those planning on staying in the home.

If you tend to ignore needed driveway snow removal, you might consider why this work is necessary. Also, it’s helpful to note when you should leave it to the professionals! Snow shoveling and other snow plowing work is cumbersome and even dangerous for some homeowners. With this in mind, note some important details about residential snow removal especially from a driveway.

Is Driveway Snow Removal Necessary?

Even if you plan on staying home, you might note some reasons to consider driveway snow removal on your property. First, many municipalities legally obligate homeowners to remove snow as reasonably possible! Second, the longer you ignore needed snow plowing, the heavier and more cumbersome that snow becomes.

Also, note that snow might hold lawn care chemicals, air pollution residues, and other debris against concrete or pavers. In turn, those materials might degrade or otherwise suffer damage. Additionally, heavy snow might risk cracking those materials!

Above all, snow can freeze and become slick and icy, and even more dangerous for pedestrians and vehicle traffic. Consequently, it’s often better to keep a driveway clear of snow during wintertime, even if you don’t plan on using the drive anytime soon.

Is It Better to Leave Snow on a Driveway?

The only time you might leave snow on a driveway is if you might risk slipping or other health concerns. Note that snow, especially when wet, can become extremely heavy. Also, trying to manage heavy snow increases the risk of slipping.

As a matter of fact, there were 11,500 snow-shoveling related injuries treated in ERs each year between 1990 and 2006! These included back injuries, slip and fall mishaps, and even being hit by snow shovels. Straining to lift heavy snow, coupled with extreme cold, can also risk heart attacks, asthma attacks, and other health issues.

When Should You Shovel Your Driveway?

There are two choices when it comes to shoveling your driveway. First, you might shovel a few inches off the top of snow even while it’s still snowing. Second, wait until the snow stops and then remove snow in manageable layers.

To help you determine which is right for your property, consider potential health concerns. First, is it bitterly cold out so that you might struggle to breathe while shoveling? Second, would waiting cause the snow to get icy so you increase the risk of falling? Above all, consider your physical condition and choose the right option for your health.

Next, consider expected weather conditions. If you expect persistent snowfall, it might be easier to remove some snow from the driveway versus waiting! On the other hand, have weather reports said the sun might come out once the snow stops? If so, that might melt some snow and make it easier to clear.

Is Snow Bad for Concrete?

Any moisture is bad for concrete, including snow! Pits and pores along concrete surfaces absorb that moisture, risking cracks, spalling, and other damage. Also, moisture can freeze and expand, putting pressure on concrete. As it thaws, concrete can then shrink, also risking cracks and similar damage.

Additionally, snow might hold damaging chemicals against concrete, as said. Heavy snow and ice also put pressure on concrete slabs, which can then crack.

With this in mind, you don’t want to simply spread snow salt on your home’s driveway! Caustic salt also damages concrete surfaces, risking cracks and spalling. Also, note that scraping sharp shovel blades across concrete and pavers exposes it to the elements. You can even dislodge aggregate with a sharp snow shovel!

To avoid these risks, use a snow shovel with a rubber tip along the blade. You might also just remove the top layers of snow and then sweep away the residues sitting atop the concrete. Also, use a natural product to melt residual snow and ice such as sand rather than caustic salt.

Is It Better to Shovel Snow?

How you shovel and remove snow can affect your property and make the job easier and safer overall! Check out some tips for ensuring effective snow removal or snow plowing and for reducing the risk of injury and property damage.

• Use sand, kitty litter, or even vinegar to melt as much snow as possible before shoveling. You’ll then have less snow to remove overall!
• Remove snow in small, manageable layers rather than trying to scoop thick snow at once. This simple step will reduce muscle strain and other injuries.
• Use plastic shovels or shovels with rubber tips on the last snow layer. In turn, you won’t scrape concrete and other surfaces.
• On the other hand, metal blades are easier for breaking up compacted or icy snow. However, avoid scraping those blades across concrete, pavers, brick, and the like.
• Hold the shovel handle close to the scoop or blade. This makes lifting it easier and reduces stretching and reaching, and potential injury.
• Invest in a high-quality shovel that fits your build overall. For instance, a shorter handle is often easier to manage for someone of a shorter stature.
• Spray your snow shovel blade with nonstick cooking spray before working! This helps snow and ice slide off the blade rather than stick and accumulate.
• Switch between your right and left hand while shoveling. This will work different muscles in the body and help prevent overexertion and straining.
• Use caution if there are other people in the area where you’ll be shoveling. Ensure you don’t throw snow at them or, worse yet, hit them with a shovel! This is especially vital when there are children in the vicinity.

Above all, ensure that you take breaks as needed! If you feel yourself getting winded, go inside and rest for a time. Also, dress for the weather and that includes wearing thick socks and gloves, to protect fingers and toes!

Snow Removal Services Denver is happy to provide this information about driveway snow removal to our readers. If you found it helpful, please share it with your friends and family! Also, feel free to call our Denver snow removal contractors for a no-cost, no-obligation snow removal quote. We offer flexible, affordable services safe for every property. To find out more, give us a call today.