Common Mistakes When Removing Snow in Downriver Michigan
During winter there is always snowfall to worry about and getting it cleared from your property is important. Sometimes during storms and bad weather it seems like the snow won’t stop and that can make the entire process of snow removal in Downriver Michigan downright dreadful. We’ll provide some tips to help you deal with the snow and ice of the Michigan weather and provide some mistakes that may be making the job harder than it is.
Common Mistakes When Removing Snow in Downriver Michigan
Although snow removal seems simple, if done wrongly, it can lead to injury or even death. Using improper techniques or waiting too long to shovel snow can make your home or property less navigable or safer. Avoid these common mistakes when you are snow-removing. Staying safe during cold winter weather is important and sometimes attempting to remove snow when you shouldn’t can put you in a bad situation. Here are some mistakes to avoid when removing snow from walkways, driveways, and your roof.
Don’t Wait Too Long Before Starting the Project
Most people make the biggest mistake in snow removal: they wait too long. They delay removing the snow while at the same time it’s building up like a snowball rolling down a hill outside. Delaying snow removal is fine if only a few inches of snow has fallen, but it’s a problem for many inches or feet of snow. Waiting days to remove the snow from your property can lead to all sorts of problems and can make a huge problem later. Snow that accumulates is more difficult to remove. You can make it easier to shovel and remove snow more often, and you are less likely risking injury. Also, you can prevent snow melting and refreezing. This makes it easier to move on and harder to remove.
It’s best to hire a snow removal company before winter arrives. That way you don’t need to worry about the snow on your property as they usually have contracts which clear the snow at specific times and are much more efficient at removing the snow from your property. It is common for removal services to book well in advance of storms, so if you wait until the last minute, it may be necessary to do the work yourself.
Improper Technique When Shoveling or Removing Snow
Many people believe that shoveling snow is best done by scooping, lifting and throwing the snow by the bucketful. This method can lead to injury and overexertion, and it won’t get the snow out as fast as the right method. To properly shovel, you need to make several passes at the snow, keeping up with the snowfall. You should be shoveling between 2 and 3 inches at a stretch. Use your shovel to push the snow onto the area you want it removed. Do not lift, toss or throw the snow. Your back will thank you later for using the proper technique.
Clear a Wide Path
The walkway, or where people enter your house from, is one of the most frequent places to remove snow. Although it can be tempting to clear a narrow path so that people can pass, this can cause problems in the long-term and should be avoided. As the snowfall increases and snowbanks melt and refreeze, paths tend to narrow. Any narrowing of your path that happens after you start won’t make it any less wide. The path should be wide enough for two people to walk side by side without walking in the snow.
Keep Your Roof Clear of Snow
If snow is only a few inches high, it’s not a problem. If the snow is falling more frequently, it may be necessary to take steps to get rid of the snow. Too many people aren’t aware of the best time to remove snow from their roofs and they could cause damage. Snow should be removed from your roof when it is 60 pounds per square feet or more. This could be 6 inches of snow packed or 12 inches or greater of fluffy snow.
Not Using Pet-Safe Ice Melt
After you have finished clearing an area, it is a good idea to put down salt or ice melt. This helps to melt any remaining ice and prevents more snow from sticking. Make sure the products you use for snow removal are safe around pets and wildlife. Ice melt that is pet-safe can be used to protect wild animals and pets from harmful chemicals and salts. You won’t have to deal with spring issues as they are less corrosive to landscaping.
Hire a Snow Removal Company
As mentioned above it’s best to hire a snow removal company in Downriver Michigan to clear the snow for you. One of the best is Cutting Edge Landscaping in Downriver Michigan. Give them a call today at (734) 787-7157 for a free quote to remove snow from your property.