How to Remove Snow and Ice

For people who live where snow is a problem in the winter, it sometimes seems like there are all too few choices on how to remove the cold, slippery stuff. But there are actually a number of ways to remove snow and ice. Although the costs will vary greatly, before grabbing the snow shovel and heading out into the brisk air, consider the alternatives.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. It may seem obvious, but when there is a light coating of dry snow, many people forget the first and easiest way to clear passageways is simply to grab a broom and sweep it. This is quick and easy and can often remove snow before it compresses and becomes a danger.

2. Shoveling is the most common way to remove snow. Using a flat edged shovel for chipping is probably the best way to remove ice. But every year people hurt their backs or suffer heart attacks from these methods. If you are strong and healthy, shoveling snow is an excellent form of exercise. For those who are at risk for injury, however, this simple way to remove snow could be the worst and most expensive choice.

3. A third way to remove snow is by using a snow scoop. This is a special hollowed out shovel that can be pushed more than lifted. Once again, being aware of your age and health is advised before clearing snow with this method.

4. A fourth method for dealing with snow and ice on pathways is by spreading packaged chemicals or salt. The result is often spotty, especially with ice, and chemicals and salt can be irritating to animal feet, toxic to plants and soil beneath -- as well as generally polluting to the environment. For those who are endangered by the exercise of shoveling and limited in budget, this may be the best solution, anyway. Carefully follow instructions and read all warnings on the commercial product's packaging.

5. If there is a lot of snow to remove, often the most practical solution is to call in a contractor with a plow.

6. Or buy a snow blower to remove snow. Snow blowers come in an assortment of styles and price ranges. For people at risk for health problems using other methods, or people who don’t have the time to shovel, a snow blower is an excellent investment. It is also a must for larger pieces of property. Using a snow blower will cut the time of snow removal in less than half. If you live where snow is common, averaging the cost of buying a snow blower over the years of ownership may make this alternative more economical and the best choice to for snow removal. Snow blowers will not help with ice, however.

7. The easiest, most efficient, but most expensive alternative is to install embedded electric heating cables as a snow melting system. There are a variety of different system designs that will heat stairs, pathways, driveways and other areas from below. These can be set into new construction or retrofitted into paved surfaces. Shop carefully for the best and most energy efficient designs before having one of these radiant heat systems installed.

8. The question or how to remove snow and ice does create choices. Think about your health, time and budget and decide which solution will work best for you. Factor in where you live. If snow and ice are likely to be frequent and heavy, spending more on ways to make the job easier may pay for itself in many ways over time.

[sallyemaycreate]

on 11/15/2009 Oh... I like the idea of heating cables.. this is a new one to me! Thanks for the great article on how to Remove Snow and Ice! I need all of the tips I can get as I just moved from Tampa to the Midwest ;-) 5* recommendation & subscribed.