Finding your driveway blocked by a thick layer of snow in the morning is not exactly the best way to start the day. Many people turn to rock salt to help with the removal process, but this substance can damage driveways and pose a health threat for pets and children.
The weekend’s varied snowfall left many residents with an important chore: clearing driveways, sidewalks and parked cars. But it’s not just a task — for some homeowners, it’s also a legal requirement. In fact, municipalities have ordinances requiring residents to clear walkways within a certain number of hours after the start of a snowstorm. That means knowing not only how to shovel, but when to do it. Visit https://vantaoutdoors.com/snow-removal/ to learn more.
Shoveling timing depends on a variety of factors, from weather to your physical condition. The optimal biological window occurs between late morning and afternoon, when your body temperature peaks, your reaction time improves and you’re not yet fatigued from daytime activities. Shoveling at other times can cause musculoskeletal injuries that account for over 50% of all emergency room shoveling visits.
Snow types also factor into the timing equation. Light, powdery snow can be cleared at almost any time of the day and can be easily tossed, but wet snow requires immediate attention to avoid compaction. Waiting even a few hours allows foot traffic and vehicles to compress wet snow into dense, difficult-to-remove packed ice that becomes dangerous to walk on when it freezes.
Wind patterns also impact shoveling timing. If your home or business is in an area prone to drifting, it’s best to wait until wind speeds decrease before clearing snow, as winds force snow into piles that can be difficult and dangerous to move.
If you have a disability or functional need, the District’s Snow Removal Exemption Program releases you from the City’s sidewalk-shoveling requirements for your primary residence and adjacent sidewalks (and corner sidewalk ramps). The City encourages all eligible homeowners to apply.
If you hire professional snow removal services, understanding the pricing structure helps optimize your scheduling decisions. Some companies charge higher rates during and after snowfalls, overnight work and emergency calls. If you can predict when a major storm is approaching, booking service in advance can significantly reduce your cost.
Snow Blowers
Snow blowers offer a faster and more precise alternative to traditional snow plows. These machines utilize an auger to lift and throw snow into a discharge chute, making them suitable for driveways, sidewalks, roadways, railroad tracks, ice rinks, and more. They can be powered by electricity (with either a cord or a battery) or gas, and they can also be self-propelled or require manual steering. Snow blowers typically have adjustable skid shoes and chute controls, allowing owners to tailor the machine’s operation to various surfaces and snow conditions.
When deciding whether to invest in this type of equipment, it is important to consider the average amount and frequency of winter weather in your area. Light flurries may not merit the upfront cost of a snow blower, but heavy storms will likely call for this more powerful solution. Additionally, you should keep in mind that snow removal isn’t a one-size-fits-all process; using deicing materials or salt before and during a storm can help prevent the buildup of snow and make it easier to remove afterward.
The most common types of snow blowers include single-stage and two-stage models. Single-stage models are lighter, more maneuverable, and suited to small spaces or areas with lighter snowfalls. They use an auger to scoop and throw snow in a single pass, which means they can only handle up to 12 inches of snow at a time before needing to clear the deck again. Two-stage blowers, on the other hand, have an auger and an impeller that work together to clear deeper snow. They can reach up to 50 feet, and since their paddles don’t touch the ground they are capable of handling unpaved surfaces. For added convenience, some models feature heated handles, which are useful for keeping hands warm during extended snow removal sessions.
Portable Snow Melting Mats
Snow melting mats are an energy-efficient and effective way to manage snow and ice in driveways, entryways, walkways, stairs, loading docks, handicap ramps, and roofs. They use integrated electrical heating elements and smart sensors to activate when surface temperatures drop below freezing, keeping surfaces clear for pedestrians all winter long. And while upfront costs are slightly higher than rock salt or other de-icing chemicals, they save money in the long run by eliminating the need for repeated applications and labor-intensive shoveling, as well as protecting surfaces from damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles and excessive salt usage.
Heated stair treads and mats are designed to be rolled out over existing surfaces, providing an easy-to-use snow removal solution that doesn’t require expensive installation. They plug directly into a standard 120V, 208V, or 240V outlet using their own built-in ELCI (equipment leakage circuit interrupter) and are durable enough to stand up to winter weather conditions. They’re also available in a range of widths and lengths to accommodate unique spaces or long staircases, and can be daisy chained together for custom coverage.
Many homeowners and business owners are turning to heated stair mats as a safe alternative to the mess and expense of salting stairs, porches, and sidewalks. According to medical data, over 9,000 people visit the emergency room each year because of slips on ice, so reducing this risk can help avoid injury and costly medical bills, not to mention reduce liability risks for property owners.
A radiant snow melt system can be installed in about 4-8 hours for a simple walkway or staircase, and as little as 1-3 days for a full driveway. Once in place, they require little maintenance and can last for years to come with proper care and maintenance. Just keep sensors free of debris and make sure power connections are protected from moisture and corrosive materials, such as ice and salt, which can degrade the outer insulation over time. The cost of a snow melting mat is typically $18-$30 per square foot installed, and can provide a return on investment of 5-15 years or more.
Sugar Beet Juice
In addition to being a tasty sweetener, sugar beets are also a highly effective de-icing material. When mixed with salt, the juice creates a solution that melts ice more effectively than just plain salt. The beet juice also has a lower freezing point than salt, so it helps prevent ice from forming.
To make beet juice, the plant is thinly sliced to extract the natural sugar juice. This is then purified and heated to create a syrup, which is crystallized to make white granulated sugar. In some cases, the beet sugar may also contain bone char, an ingredient derived from the charring of animal bones. Those looking to avoid animal products may choose to look for a different brand of beet sugar to purchase.
When sprayed on icy surfaces, the beet juice solution forms small beads of liquid that stick to the surface. They also dissolve slowly to prevent re-icing, unlike standard rock salt. In addition to being less corrosive, beet juice is much better for the environment. It reduces the amount of salt that washes off roads and into waterways, where it irritates fish and other organisms.
Because it’s not as abrasive as salt, beet juice is safer for motorists and pedestrians. It also has a lower environmental impact, as it does not contain the heavy metals found in traditional road salt. However, it can stain sidewalks and driveways with a light brown or red color.
Some cities have experimented with using beet molasses (a waste product of beet sugar refining) to reduce the concentration of salt needed for the same melting effect. When used in this manner, it can be less expensive than traditional methods of snow removal and still provide the same effectiveness.
Despite the negative effects of sodium chloride, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to keep roads clear in winter. That’s why the state subsidizes its use, providing it to local governments at no cost. In fact, the state is a leader in this field, with more than 160,000 acres of harvested beets a year, which are processed to produce sugar.