Deep snow is beautiful – and makes children fun to play with. But it also causes a lot of stress and inconvenience for homeowners. Heavy snowfall can not only cause frozen gutters and depressed roofs but also block the entrance and make it impossible to drive in and out by car. Snow shoveling in winter is not fun for anyone, but it is often necessary to make the entrance accessible.
There are different views on how best to shovel snow, but some practical and safety considerations are almost essential. Here’s how to quickly, effectively, and safely shovel snow.
When Should You Start Snow Shoveling in Winter?
The safest thing is to shovel the snow in the morning when it is still cold. If you wait with it, there is a risk that the snow will melt and ice will form, on which you can slip and injure yourself. It would be best to avoid snow shoveling during a snowstorm, as this increases the risk of injury. If it snows heavily, you should wait for a break in the snow before taking out your shovel.
Some people prefer to wait several days before shoveling snow, while others prefer to shovel regularly after every snowfall. There is no correct answer, but generally, it is easier to shovel little and often than to remove several feet of snow at once for hours and with a lot of effort. You have to shovel more regularly, but there is a lot of back-friendly, flat snow to remove than to deal with deep drifts.
How Do You Shovel Snow from An Entrance?
If you have a plan on how to shovel the snow from the driveway, you can avoid unnecessary work and physical strain. When your car is parked in the driveway, shovel a path to the driver’s door. This way, you can get to your without compacting the snow by running on it, which makes it difficult to clear it later. If you want to drive a car, turn on the ignition and heating so that the snow melts on your car and it is easier to clean.
Next, clear the rest of the driveway. Shovel an aisle, so you don’t pound the snow and make it difficult to clear it. It makes sense to finally clear the area around your car, as the snow falls off the car when you clear it and you have to shovel the same area twice. Also, leave the entrance free until you are ready to leave. If snow plows pass the store, there is even more snow there.
Where To Go with The Snow While Shoveling?
Place the cleared snow as far as possible from the area to be worked on. Otherwise, the piles could collapse and cover your driveway again – and you would have to start over. When deciding where to put the shoveled snow, consider which areas you need to reach. For example, do not put piles of snow around doors you will need access to later.
Depending on the weather conditions, you can use the shoveled snow for wind protection. The accumulation of snow in front of an outdoor building, such as a fence, can help prevent it from being blown around in stormy weather. The plants and other objects in your driveway could also be protected from the wind.
Should You Leave the Snow Behind?
If it snows heavily and you don’t have to go anywhere for a while, it can be tempting to leave the snow there. The pain problem is that a meter-high blanket of snow will form, which will be difficult to remove later. If you leave the snow behind, removing it in layers when you clear your entrance is safer.
However, there are some situations where it is safer to leave the snow. As mentioned earlier, shoveling in nice, cool weather is best. Avoid shoveling in warmer afternoons, heavy snow, or wind.
How Do You Stay Safe When Shoveling Snow in Winter?
To avoid injuries, knowing how to shovel snow safely is important. It is important to wrap yourself warm with several layers of clothing to avoid hypothermia. Shoveling snow in winter is hard work, so it is important to take breaks regularly. Take measures to protect your back and make work as easy as possible.
Apply a layer of car or floor wax to your shovel before shoveling, so the snow does not stick. This makes it easier to shovel the snow cleanly in piles and speeds up work. If you don’t have a suitable wax, cooking spray is a suitable alternative.
Bend your knees while shoveling and lift the snow with your legs instead of your back to avoid overload. Changing the handle regularly makes sense, so you do not constantly strain the same muscles. If you keep the handle as close as possible to the end of the bucket, the snow can also be lifted more easily and safely.
If the snow is very deep, you risk back pain if you try to shovel large amounts at once. Instead, try to work in layers of a few inches and take a break between each shift. If you feel exhausted or sore, you should take a break to avoid cardiovascular and muscle strain.