Winter is a beautiful season. But when it arrives, many areas must deal with snow and ice again. Stairs, porches, walkways, and sheds are often difficult to clear. Especially if old snow has already accumulated and frozen, it can be dramatic. How easy is it to ice and snow removal? Many products are on the market, but they don’t always keep what they promise. Moreover, not all products are suitable for the environment. In addition, many people overuse products. So, what should you consider, and what should you know about them?
When The First Snow Falls
In winter, many people wait for the snow to fall. White light is part of winter. We especially love snow at Christmas, and it makes everything so romantic. But with snow comes the problem of ice. And someone has to make sure the pavements stay white. That’s where the joy of winter and the white glow ends for most people. There are different ways and techniques to remove ice and snow. If you know what to look out for, it becomes much more manageable.
A Big Snow Shovel
Snow shovels have been used for generations to clear roads, driveways, yards, and other surfaces. When the snow is hard, you usually need a lot of power. Plus, snow tends to stick to the shovel, which can be a nuisance in the long run. Teflon-coated shovels make this much easier. These shovels are slightly more expensive on the market but worth it. The cheapest option is to treat your existing shovel with furniture polish. The snow will stick much less after varnishing.
The Right Snow Shovel Is Essential
Many want to clear their driveway or walkway as quickly as possible. Often, we dump snow on the road and forget that it is still in use. Snow on the road is not only an obstruction but also increases the risk of a vehicle skidding. That’s why choosing a safe place where you won’t be in the way is essential. Salt snow should never be placed on plants or grass as it damages nature.
Road Salt Against Ice and Snow
Road salt is the most popular ice and snow remover for many. Salt has always been a popular choice. Even the municipal sanitation service uses salt delivered in large-grained trucks. Salt melts snow and ice and makes slippery surfaces hard again, so it’s a good idea to stock up on plenty of salt before winter. It is usually available in DIY stores but often in supermarkets and pharmacies. It is always a good idea to stock up on salt before winter, as salt shortages are very common. You can also clear snow and ice from the pavements outside your property. If you fail to do this and someone falls or gets hurt, you will be liable.
How Do You Properly Store Road Salt?
Storage is essential for road salt. In most cases, you can buy salt in plastic bags or buckets with lids. Salt quickly absorbs moisture and forms lumps in damp places, such as cellars. Once cooked, it can no longer be spread, so make sure the lid or bag is tightly closed. The salt should be stored in the driest possible place.
Use Of Salt on Roads
Most people spread a lot of salt on pavements and patios. Salt should be swept up again in the spring. Salt is unsuitable for nature and should not be used excessively. You don’t need much salt when it snows, but when it is cold, you need a little more. If you notice that the snow or ice has melted slightly, don’t use it immediately. In this case, less is more.
Ash As an Alternative to Salt
Few people know that ash can be a natural alternative to road salt. If you have a fireplace at home, sprinkle ash from the stove on pavements and driveways. However, ashes should be used with care. It reduces the risk of slipping and helps melt ice and snow. It should be remembered that it quickly smears and stains roads when it melts. Therefore, it should be removed again in the spring.
Other Alternatives to Sand
Salt-free abrasives such as gravel, limestone, or sand are also recommended. In this case, we are talking about dusting agents. These agents do not have an anti-icing effect but provide adhesion. It can be reactivated and reused when the snow stops falling in the spring. Gravel is very good at reducing the risk of slipping. However, it should be remembered that it must be removed again in the spring, as cyclists can be a road hazard.
Compost Against Cold
If you have a garden, you also have potting soil. Lime, peat, and manure are a great combination to combat black ice. Please don’t use too much compost, as you’ll need to remove it again in the spring. However, it is a very environmentally friendly alternative to many other preparations and provides good traction on heavy ice surfaces.
Conclusion
With the right equipment and preparations, snow and ice can be removed quickly and easily. The right products can provide better traction and prevent dangerous adventures for you and others on slippery surfaces. Most products are relatively cheap and rarely need to be used. Streets, driveways, and yards should be cleaned by the beginning of the warm season in the spring.