There is so much to love about cold winter weather. Wrapping up in thick knit sweaters, sipping a steaming cup of hot cocoa in front of a roaring fire, and of course, the magic of snowfall. Whether you like to get out and build snowmen or simply enjoy the beauty of fresh snow from a warm spot inside, it’s hard not to be captured by the exciting feeling of being in a winter wonderland. Having said that, heavy snowfall can also cause difficulties with travel and forces you to tackle the tough task of clearing your driveway so that you can get in and out. So in preparation for the winter season, here are some top tips to help you clear your driveway of snow efficiently and easily.
Timing
As much as you might want to put it off, it is best to deal with the job of clearing snow early in the day. That’s because moving fresh and loose snow is much easier than trying to do it when it’s hard and compacted from people walking on it all day. You can then continue to clear paths later in the day if it snows again, allowing the sunshine to melt any ice beneath.
Method
One of the most common methods for clearing snow is shoveling. If you choose to go this route, adding some oil or wax to the shovel blade will help ensure that snow doesn’t stick to it – making the task much easier. The main problem to be aware of with shoveling is that it is a strenuous job and can often cause people back pain. This isn’t such a problem if your area only experiences rare or light snowfall. However, if you live somewhere that frequently sees heavy dumps of snow, then you might want to consider leveling up your method.
Among the top choices out there are snow blowers, which are machines that use an auger and/or an impeller to remove snow from an area by propelling it out of a discharge chute. It’s more of a financial investment than a shovel but can save you plenty of time and hard work in the long run. Another possibility is to use snow melting mats, which heat up and melt away snow and ice. These are particularly useful for stairs and narrow walkways where a snowblower wouldn’t be suitable.
Precautions
Whichever method of snow clearance you choose to use, it’s important to always take precautions when going outside in freezing temperatures. Make sure that you wrap up warm in plenty of layers to trap warm air, and wear a scarf, hat, and gloves to cover up your extremities. Walking on snow and ice can be tricky due to the lack of traction, so be sure to wear shoes with a good grip and hold onto handrails when going up or down steps. Take it more slowly than normal, keeping your center of gravity low, and leave your hands out of your pockets – this will both help you balance and ensure you can catch yourself if you slip.
