Driveway Snow Removal
Snow Shoveling Tips
Ah, snow: where would we be without it? From my own perspective, "somewhere better" is the best way to answer that question! But seriously, even if you are a skier and drive around with a "Think snow!" bumper sticker on your car, removing Old Man Winter's frozen deposit isn't exactly fun, is it? Read my tips to learn how to get the job done right.
Aluminum Snow Shovels
One winter I conducted a test, using both an aluminum snow shovel and plastic shovels to remove snow from my driveway. For an aluminum model, I used the Ames True Temper Arctic Blast. Read my review to learn how I rated the Ames product and to see what conclusions I arrived at in my aluminum vs. plastic comparison.
How to Find Someone to Shovel Snow
My elderly mom lives alone in her own home. She's very independent and can do most of the things she needs to do by herself. But there are 2 yard-care jobs that somebody else has to do for her: mowing and snow removal. It's a constant battle for us to find reliable help. Here are some tricks I've learned about finding someone to shovel for you.
Gas Snowblowers
"A gas snowblower is a gas snowblower," you say? Think again. There are different types available, and which kind you select can make a difference; one factor to take into account is where you live. I am not talking brands here but rather stages.
Review: Electric Snowblowers
As I indicated above, a comparison of plastic and aluminum can be fruitful when trying to select a snow shovel. Likewise, when it comes to shopping for a snowblower, I think it helpful to make a comparison -- this time, between electric and gas. Both have their pros and cons, as I relate in this review.
Snow-Melt Systems, or "Heated Driveways"
Call me a dreamer. I dream about not having to shovel anymore. I'd just as soon do without snowblowers and snowplows, too. What, am I thinking of moving south? No. My dream is to let radiant heat clear my driveway for me during a New England winter. Oh, wait, that's actually not a mere dream: such a thing already exists!
Driveway Snow Removal: An Exploration of Choices
Here is my overview of the choices you have for driveway snow removal. I evaluate each, stating their respective pros and cons. I think you will find Page 3 of the article of particular interest, as I go into detail there about what to look for when hiring snowplow contractors.
Ice-Melt Products: Salt for Ice Melting
Snow is one thing; ice is another. It is hard to say which holds more trouble in store for us during the wintertime. In some ways, ice is more dangerous (especially when it lies under the snow), causing extremely slippery conditions that easily lead to injury. For your convenience, here are some links to ice-melt products you can buy online.
Snow Removal, the Old-Fashioned Way
Am I talking about horse-drawn ploughs here? Nope, sorry, nothing that interesting. I'm just referring to some more tips on shoveling. While this method of driveway snow removal may be ho-hum to you, there's a chance you'll find a pointer here that you can use. And if that pointer makes the job go easier, it will be well worth the small effort...
Should You Buy Your Own Snowplow?
Snow removal causes considerable angst among homeowners in cold climates. Enough angst to go out and buy your own snowplow? Well, that depends. This article teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about snowplows (how to match plow-size to vehicle-size, where to buy plows, which plows are most durable, etc.). Study up on the subject, assess your own situation and decide if ownership makes sense for you.