A fresh batch of snow blanketed northern US states this week, leaving a frozen tundra across the Midwest. As we enter a 2018 on a blizzardy note, the experts at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons want to share with you our ultimate snow removal guide. From snow removal equipment, to services, to deicers, you have many options to keep your driveway snow- and ice-free this winter.
Invest in heavy-duty snow removal equipment
If you choose to remove snow yourself, spending the money upfront for good equipment that will list is vital. A couple of items we suggest having are:
- Snow Plow: This works best if you have a truck that you can attach it to. People without trucks have also had success investing in an ATV to attach the plow to — and then you have a fun toy in the summertime, too! If the plow is sturdy, you will be able to clear your driveway in no time, and they are often available for economical prices.
- Snow Blower: For smaller driveways, walkways and porches, a snow blower will be your best friend. Or, if you already have a leaf blower sitting in your garage, you may be able to get away with using that to remove snow from smaller area. Experts say this is fine to do, but only under certain conditions. For example, you should only use it on fluffy, light snow that is less than four inches deep. And don’t try to blow snow when it’s above 32 degrees outside because it will be too wet and heavy.
- Snow shovel/Snow Pusher: This goes without saying. A good snow shovel is your best bet for manual removal of snow in tight areas. It’s also useful if you need to dig something out that got buried by snowfall overnight (like hoses or wheelbarrows!). When you’re looking to purchase a snow shovel, it’s always better to go for one that is angled if you are worried about the strain shoveling puts on your back.
- Snow Scoop: As a less technological alternative to the snow blower, a snow scoop can be used to clear small walkways and porches. People have reported being able to clear up to 10 feet of snowfall with their snow scoops!
Be conscious of your snow removal schedule – and stick to it!
Staying on top of seemingly constant snowfall can be tough especially when freezing temperatures make it easy to stay inside your heated home. But if you fall behind with your snow removal schedule, it will only leave you with more work – or worse, you could be iced or snowed in. Make sure you break out your shovels and plows as soon as you can after it snows. When snow is still fluffy, it is much lighter and easier to remove. The last thing you want is to wait to clear your driveway and the temperatures warm up, causing the snow to melt and become wet and heavy. Worst cause scenario, it will then refreeze as ice and increase slip risks. In addition, be aware of the weather conditions while you are shoveling: Experts suggest it is better to remove snow when the temperatures are lower like after the sun sets.
Hire a snow plowing service to save time
If you have the means to hire a service to help stay on top of the snowfall, it might be a worthwhile investment. This is especially true if you have a jam-packed schedule and are at risk of falling behind on snow removal. If this is the route you choose, make sure to do your research before choosing a plowing service. There will probably be multiple contractors in your area that offer plowing at different frequencies throughout the winter. You want to choose somebody who you can be sure will do a good job.
Put stakes in your driveway
This is especially essential if you have a service coming to plow your driveway, but also useful for those choosing to plow or shovel their driveways themselves. If the stakes have reflectors on the top, that’s even better. This will help anybody who pulls into your driveway navigate to your home without issue.
Choose a good deicer to prevent falls and slips
You can find a variety of de-icing options at your local home and garden store. Two popular options are rock salt or deicing liquid. It might also be wise to buy a pull spreader, which will distribute the deicer evenly over your driveway as you pull it behind you.
Keep an ice scraper in your car
This has less to do with your driveway, but it’s about car safety and maintenance, so we think it’s necessary to bring up here! Investing in a good ice scraper to store in your car at all times during the winter will help you when you come out of work to find two inches of snow or a layer of ice covering your car. Make sure the scraper has two sides – a blade for ice and a brush for fluffy snow.
Whatever options you choose for snow removal this winter, we at ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons care about keeping your driveway, car and family safe as temperatures drop below freezing. It might already be January, but it’s never too late to take snow removal seriously. Consider drawing up a formal schedule to make sure your driveway, walkways, porches, and front steps stay free of snow build-up. If, despite your best efforts, snow still wrecks havoc on your driveway or home, know that the experts at ServiceMasterRestoration by Simons are always a call away! Please give us a call at 773-376-1110 for immediate help in an emergency, or about any of your restoration needs.
ServiceMaster Restoration by Simons is a women-owned and family run company serving Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest, and the North Shore. The business provides disaster restoration services for damages caused by water, fire, flooding, mold remediation, and a wide range of interior specialty cleaning (hoarder/clutter, post construction, carpet & upholstery) to residential and commercial customers residing in Chicago, Oak Park, River Forest and the North Shore. For more information, visit servicemasterbysimons.com.
