With a wet and heavy snow blanket covering your driveway, things can quickly take a turn for the worse.
Therefore, waiting until the snow stops to take action is not the best decision to make.
Depending on how long the snowfall lasts in your region, you must set a schedule for driveway snow removal.
In addition, you should opt for a suitable way to get rid of the snow on the sidewalks and driveways.
In this blog, we will go over the effective methods on how to remove snow from driveway.
Related Blog: Snow Removal Prices in Toronto: How Much Does Snow Removal Cost in 2024?
Why Is Driveway Snow Removal Important?
Before discussing the driveway snow removal methods, let’s look at why you need to take care of it:
1. Minimizing Safety Risks
Driveway snow removal can help keep everyone on your property safe. You do not want vehicles trapped in the snow or anyone to slip or fall.
After you work on driveway snow removal, ensure you take measures to prevent further damage.
2. Making Things Easier
No one wants to drive their cars or themselves in the snow or get out of the house only to find their car covered in snow.
If there is no snow on your path, getting to and from your house or place of business will be effortless. So, if you want to keep your commute hassle-free, consider contacting a professional driveway snow removal service.
3. Save Yourself From Unnecessary Lawsuits
Canada has strict laws on negligence claims related to snow removal. Someone may file a lawsuit if they hurt themselves on your property as a result of improper snow removal.
For this reason, everyone must take snow removal seriously. If you ignore driveway snow removal, you may be penalized.
4. Reduce Snow Buildup
Further snow will likely fall after the season’s first snowfall. That means snow can continue to accumulate and freeze over, making driveway snow removal even more difficult.
Taking care of it as soon as possible can save you a great deal of time and money.
5. Maintain the Appearance of Your Outdoor Space
A well-kept exterior enhances the beauty of your house, even during the chilly winter in Canada. Once you proceed with driveway snow removal, your house will feel cozy and well-kept during the cold weather.
Otherwise, the snow will become dirty and unappealing after being left for a few days.
Additionally, the outside of your house is quite important if you intend to sell it. A regularly maintained landscape may make a lasting impression and raise the value of your property.
6. Safeguarding Essential Landscape Features
If snow is removed as soon as the storm is over, any landscaping that can withstand winter temperatures will be preserved.
Some plants, grasses, and shrubs can struggle to thrive in the spring if snow is left on them.
Learning how to remove snow from driveway may help you protect your plants and improve the appearance of your property.
How to Remove Snow from Driveway In Winter: Top 8 Tips for Canadian Homeowners
Here are some excellent methods for driveway snow removal:
1. Get Snow Clearing Equipment: A De-Icer
According to experts, magnesium chloride is currently the best deicing salt currently available. It melts ice and snow until the temperature drops to -13 degrees Fahrenheit.
Compared to other chemical de-icers, magnesium chloride salt is significantly more environmentally benign because it releases 40% less chloride into the environment than rock salt or calcium chloride.
Magnesium chloride is a good choice for working on asphalt driveways and want an eco-friendly driveway snow removal solution.
2. Utilize Your Leaf Blower As a Driveway Snow Removal Equipment
Your leaf blower is more than just a power instrument considered beneficial in the fall.
Additionally, it can provide a straightforward and practical solution to all your driveway snow removal problems.
Because fresh snow is fluffy and light, a strong gust of wind can easily blow it out of your driveway.
However, while using this driveway snow removal method, ensure that you don’t cause inconvenience for the neighborhood.
Remember that approach is most effective when there is less than three inches of snow.
3. Pour Hot Water on Your Driveway
If you don’t want to start driveway snow removal with shoveling, connecting a sprayer hose to an interior hot water plug works best when the temperature rises.
You can control the snow accumulating on your driveway by misting it with hot water as it falls.
Another effective solution is watering the area with hot tap water, a spoonful of dish soap, and half a cup of rubbing alcohol for more melting power.
Those who don’t have an accessible hot water source can employ this method.
4. Begin Shovelling
Here are some methods for safe driveway snow removal by shoveling:
Try To Shovel Snow Early
Early shoveling helps prevent the formation of black ice or clear ice since the sun has enough time to evaporate any remaining snow.
You must shovel every morning if you want this strategy to work. By doing it consistently, you can keep the driveway clear of dangerous ice.
Cover Slippery Areas with Sand
Cover the area where you will be working with a little amount of sand or cat litter. The rough texture will help prevent you from falling as you navigate the snow and ice.
If you are worried that it may affect your upper body, multiple ergonomic snow shovel choices exist. With these shovels, the chances of getting injuries shoveling the driveway or clearing the snow off the deck is lower.
Wear a Pair of Socks Over Your Shoes
Wearing socks over your shoes is a good hack while you shovel for driveway snow removal.
It doesn’t make your shoe snow-proof. Nevertheless, the socks’ soft material offers superior traction while you clear snow, reducing the chance of slipping on the ice and getting wounded.
Employ a Shovel Add-on
Include a back-saver attachment for an ice shovel in your list of top tools. Some shovels allow you to adapt your favorite shovel to your preferred hand position for removing ice by attaching the detachable handle in the desired location.
With this add-on, you can lessen the risk of a back strain during driveway snow removal.
5. Install a Snow Melting Mechanism
Installing a snow-melting system as your driveway snow removal solution is an investment in the sustainability of your driveway. To generate a heated region beneath the completed surface, you can use an electric or hydronic system.
This resembles how heat flooring functions beneath flooring or tiles.
No snow or ice will be visible since the heat warms the driveway’s surface from below and melts snow when it touches it.
Another option would be snow melt mats, which are heated mats placed over driveways and sidewalks before the storm hits.
6. Cover the Driveway with a Plastic Tarp
When snow is predicted, consider covering exposed pathways, walkways, and even your car with a plastic tarp if you don’t have a shovel or your electric snow blower isn’t working.
These automotive snow removal items may also be useful. Once it stops falling, simply lift the tarp.
7. Bring a Snowblower Home
A snowblower could be the ideal substitute if you don’t want to shovel the driveway.
With a snow blower, you can complete the driveway snow removal process without the need for a shovel or rock salt.
You should choose a snowblower that can manage the quantity of snow you need to move because there are a variety of various varieties, each with unique qualities.
8. Use the Snow Plowing Approach
You should prepare to plow if you anticipate more than an inch of snow to accumulate.
In fact, plow work may only become possible if the snow becomes too deep. Snow removal becomes even more challenging if it remains on the ground for an extended period since it is more likely to solidify.
A snow plow is a vehicle or attachment used to clear snow off. This component usually consists of a cutting edge installed on the front of a truck or other vehicle.
Snow plows are crucial for ensuring wintertime traffic safety on city streets and highways.
If you want an approach for snow removal that prioritizes your safety, go ahead and contact reliable snow plowing services in Mississauga.
FAQs
How can I keep my driveway from getting ice?
Use salt or ice to melt before snowfall. Sand provides more traction on ice surfaces. Another choice is a heated driveway system, which melts ice and snow automatically. Additionally, prompt driveway snow removal stops ice from forming, melting, and refreezing.
What time of day is ideal for shoveling snow out of the driveway?
Snow should be cleared quickly, preferably during light periods or following a snowfall. Clearing snow early often keeps it from compacting, which makes it more difficult to remove and increases the likelihood that it will turn to ice.
How can I remove snow without damaging my driveway?
To avoid scratches, use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one. To prevent scratching, raise the snow blower blades slightly above the driveway. But keep in mind that rock salt can damage the surface of new or brittle concrete.
What distinguishes ice melt from salt melt?
Over 15°F, salt (sodium chloride) works well, but over time, it can erode concrete. Ice melts are a safer alternative for driveways since they operate at lower temperatures and are less damaging to pets and plants because they contain calcium or magnesium chloride.
Is using a snow blower or a shovel preferable?
Shoveling makes sense for little snow or small driveways. However, a snow blower reduces physical strain and saves time and labor for larger regions and heavier snowfalls.
Contact the Best Driveway Snow Removal Services in Toronto
The size of your driveway and snow accumulation will determine which one of the aforementioned methods is best for driveway snow removal.
Heavy snow removal is physically demanding, and in certain situations, people with pre-existing conditions or who are too elderly to perform this kind of activity may be at risk.
One strategy to shield your body against excessive physical strain or a catastrophic medical issue is to delegate the task to an experienced individual.
A spotless, snow-free property is appreciated and leaves a good first impression.
To get regular snow removal guarantees that your property always looks its best, contact us.