A Homeowner’s Guide To Snow Removal After A Big Storm

The temperature is beginning to drop outside, and some parts of the country are already seeing a tremendous amount of snow. If you’re a homeowner, it is important for you to understand how to remove snow from your property. Even though it might be beautiful to look at, snow and ice can wreak havoc on your property as well. Take a look at a few important points below, and make sure you understand how to remove snow safely and effectively this winter.

Ice on Your Property

In addition to snow, ice can become a significant safety hazard. If you have portions of your property that are covered in ice, take the necessary actions to prevent a slip and fall accident. You may want to use a de-icing solution, such as calcium chloride or magnesium chloride, to help you. If you know there is a storm coming in advance, you can put down some rock salt to encourage the snow to melt as it hits the ground before it freezes. If you have areas of thicker ice that are not easy to remove, you will want to first scrape as much as you can from the surface before using the salt. You should always avoid using an ice pick on your property, as the sharp edge could damage the concrete underneath the ice. Finally, you might want to consider throwing down sand or kitty litter on top of your primary walkways to increase your traction, especially if you have a sloped driveway.

Snow on the Roof

If you have snow on your roof, you must make sure you have the proper safety equipment before you climb up there. This equipment can include things like a sturdy ladder, ladder safety hooks, and ladder safety legs. These crucial pieces of equipment will allow you to access your roof more safely in order to clear problem areas and to prevent ice dams. Once you’re up to about chest height on your roof, you can then take a large rake or shovel and clear snow in the afflicted spot. While you’re up there, watch for melted patches on your roof surrounded by snow. A patch of melted snow on your roof can indicate that your insulation is either not working there or that heat is somehow escaping from your attic and leaking out into the surrounding air.

Investigating and patching an insulation problem can help save you tons of money both in the winter and summer, so keep an eye out for them! Then, once you get to the top of your roof, use a snow rake to help you reach the upper portions. If you want to avoid climbing up to your roof at all, you may want to purchase a device with a telescoping rod. That way, you can simply reach up there and remove the snow from the top without leaving the ground. Keep in mind that your roof is sloped, and the snow might begin to slide down as you clear it away. You need to make sure you don’t get buried by the snow when it falls off the roof and that it has a safe place to land as it is being removed. Moving a lot of snow? Using a commercial grade snow tarp can help collect the fallen remains very effectively.

Snow Retention

As important as snow removal is in the grand scheme of things, it’s also important to note that you may want to add some snow retention safety measures to your home and your home’s roof. Here’s why: If you have a kind of roof that snow buildup tends to slide off of, (and there are many out there that do), then even a snowfall of 8 inches or less can cause hundreds of pounds of snow to suddenly slide off your roof and onto the ground surrounding your home. This snow shift from high upon your roof can present a danger to you and your family, your pets, and can even damage vehicles and the landscaping surrounding your home. That’s where excellent products like Levi’s Snow Defender 4500 come in. Available in two material choices and a plethora of color options, these snow guards are easily affixed to your home’s roof with just a simple #14 screw, requiring no additional calk or other sealants thanks to their rubber seal guard. Fastening these to your roof will allow snow to come off in smaller, more manageable chunks and helps to avoid the giant “avalanche” that can happen without them.

Blocked Access Points

There might be some areas of your property that are blocked by snow. And, at the end of a long cold day that is the last thing you want to come home to. Common areas of concern are the front door, garage, patio, and walkways leading to detached sheds or storage areas. Clearing these critical pathways from snow fresh after a storm will save you a tremendous amount of time and energy than if you decide to wait. Using a tool like a telescoping shovel or a snow pusher can help you stay on top of the problem. These devices have been specifically designed to remove multiple inches of snow from your property or, if you want to remove snow as quickly as possible, you might want to consider a snowblower to help you. They can be powered using electricity or gas. While each has their own benefits, gas can be a life-saver if it is needed to be used during an emergency situation when the power is off. Some equipment stores rent these for daily or weekly use if you feel the problem will be short-lived.

Remove Snow From Your Property Safely

To recap, these are a few of the most important tips you should keep in mind when removing snow from your property following a major snowstorm. Always remember that safety has to be at the top of your priority list. If you have questions or concerns about whether you will be able to remove snow from your property safely, you should reach out to a professional who can help you.