Tag: Snow

If you live in the colder climates of the US, chances are you get two feelings when it’s about to snow. The first feeling is excitement, who doesn’t like freshly fallen snow?! But the second feeling that quickly follows that is one of dread, when that snow falls, you have to shovel it, and prep your property.

There are some things you can do to properly prep for upcoming winter weather, including putting salt out. If you’ve just moved to a colder climate you probably see your neighbors tossing out salt and wander if you should be doing the same. How does salt even work with snow?

So, Should I Salt Before It Snows?

To avoid slips, falls, and other dangers, you should be putting salt out before any significant weather winter events. Let’s learn why.

Purpose of Salt in Snow

The salt is not for the snow itself, but for ice. Snow can fall as light and fluffy flakes, but between the weight of itself and foot traffic, that light fluffy snow gets packed down to slippery and dangerous ice. Salt and other anti-freezing agents help to remove the dangers of ice for both you and your neighbors.

How Salt Works on Snow and Ice

The most used form of salt to deice in the US is common rock salt, sodium chloride. Yes, this is the same salt that’s on your dinner table, but with much larger granules. The chemical compound sodium chloride lowers the freezing point in water, so snow melt never has the chance to turn into ice unless its bitterly cold.

Other Agents

Rock salt is the most popular but it can damage concrete over time, and pets aren’t a big fan. There are several other pet-friendly deicing agents out there that will be safe for both your concrete, asphalt, and pets. You can ask for recommendations for your particular sidewalk or driveway material at your local home improvement store.

If you want to avoid salt or chemical agents altogether you can always put down sand or kitty litter. These two products will not help to keep ice from forming like rock salt and other deicing agents can, but it can provide traction for slippery walkways.

If you see snow and ice in the forecast, it’s better to act before it starts falling. Always salt, or otherwise use a deicing agent to keep your walkable areas from freezing over and becoming a hazard. You’ll thank us when you don’t get a bill from the ER.

If you live in the colder portions of the country, you likely dread the time when Winter is around the corner. Sure, the snow is beautiful, the fire in your house is cozy, but you know eventually you are going to have to walk out into the freezing cold to shovel your car, driveway, and sidewalks.

If your region sees more than a few inches of snow a year, chances are high that your area is full of snow removal services. So how do you know when you need a snow removal service and when should you put the shovel down? Let’s review some situations when hiring a snow removal company is your best bet.

How to Hire a Snow Removal Company the Right Way

When the Job is Too Big

Shoveling a small driveway and front sidewalk is not a big deal for most people, but what if you have a sprawling property with a long driveway? If you live on a property that needs copious amounts of snow removal after a dump, you should consider a snow removal service. It can be difficult to pay someone for a job that you can do yourself, so let’s get to that point.

When the Effort Outweighs the Cost

Think how long it takes to shovel snow off your property. One hour? Four hours? If basic economics has taught us anything it’s that time is money, so every minute you waste on snow removal is a minute that could be better spent elsewhere. It may take you 3 hours to shovel your driveway or sidewalks, where it may only take a snow removal service with specialized equipment 30 minutes. Get some estimates for your property and weigh the cost vs effort saved. Most of the time you will find that the cost is more than worth the effort it covers.

When You Don’t Want to Shovel Anymore Damn Snow

If you’re feeling tired, and you just don’t want to shovel snow anymore, don’t! Snow removal services are often less expensive than you may think and can complete the job quickly and efficiently. If you have a little bit of disposable income, hire a snow removal service and dispose of that income!

If the job is too big, the effort is too much, or you plain don’t want to shovel anymore, talk to a snow removal service. Get a quote from Enright Asphalt that’s the right fit for your property or business today.

There aren’t too many things more beautiful than white, fluffy, fallen snow. While the moment’s snow is falling are considered almost magical by some, the aftermath of a good storm is anything but magical. That snow must be shoveled, and you’re the one that must do it.

Thousands of Americans shovel their cars, driveways, and sidewalks during the frosty winter months, but not everyone may be doing it the right way. Let’s review a refresher course for things you should consider when shoveling snow.

Tips on How to Shovel a Driveway and Snow on Your Property

Start Early

Snow will be the easiest to remove after it has fallen while it’s still light and fluffy. Every second you wait that snow will only get heavier with more moisture and debris so when you get snow, get on shoveling as soon as the flakes stop falling.

Use the Correct Equipment

Don’t attempt to shovel snow with your garden shovel. Snow shovels are specifically engineered to work you through the scooping motion associated with snow removal. Trying to use non-snow removal equipment to get rid of snow can lead to injury and inefficient work.

Consider the Physical Strains and Risks

According to researchers at the US Nationwide Children’s Hospital, approximately 100 Americans die annually while shoveling snow. Shoveling snow is physically demanding work, and most will do the activity during adverse weather conditions. These strains can trigger injury and even heart failure. No matter how young or old you are, be aware of the risks associated with shoveling snow. If you have a cardiovascular or pulmonary condition, you should not attempt to shovel snow.

Work Methodically

Work in a practiced and methodical manner to reduce the work. Always shovel top to bottom, and aim to shovel access areas such as sidewalks first in case you must put off shoveling. Once you figure out your specific and efficient “shoveling path,” you’ll find that the job gets much easier.

Consider Upgrading

Nothing states you must use a snow shovel, and nothing states you even must shovel your driveway. If shoveling snow is a real pain in the butt for you and your property, bite the bullet and consider purchasing a snow blower or hiring a snow removal service. It may cost some extra money but the time and energy you save will be well worth it.

When it comes to shoveling snow, start early with the right equipment and work in a methodical manner. Always consider your physical limitations and if snow shoveling is too much for you, consider upgrading to a snow removal company, like Enright Asphalt.

It’s easy for people in the south to look at us in the colder climates and remark how beautiful and great snow is, they don’t have to shovel the driveway. When winter rolls around those in colder climates are no doubt excited to ski and make snow angels, but they also must salt the sidewalks, shovel the driveway, and take care of other snow-related chores.

Luckily if your area receives even a few inches of snow a year, there are likely snow removal companies ready and willing to knock out those awful winter chores for you. If you’ve moved to a colder climate, are curious about hiring a snow removal service for the first time, or want to know more about snow removal services, we have you covered. Let’s talk some of the things you need to know about snow removal.

3 Snow Removal Facts to Know

It’s More Than Snow Removal

When you hire a snow removal service, the goal is to remove the snow from your property, but that’s not all a snow removal service can help you out with. Snow removal can also help with ice buildup, salting your walking areas to avoid ice and snow on walkways, removing felled tree limbs due to snow and more. Every snow removal service has its scale of services; you need to give them a call to see what they can help you with.

You Don’t Have to Call Every Time You Need Help

When you sign up for a snow-removal service, you don’t have to call them every time you need help with snow removal. Snow removal services check the weather for their clients and will move to a situation as needed, like when your home gets dumped on. There are one-time snow removal services, but if you want things taken care of all winter, you should sign up for a full season of service.

Snow Removal is Likely Cheaper Than You Think

It’s difficult to pay someone else for a service that you can do yourself, but time is money. Snow removal services are likely less expensive than you imagine, and the time and energy you save by hiring a service is more than worth it. Get a few quotes, see what damage is, and move from there.

When it comes to snow removal services, know that they can offer more than snow removal, you don’t have to call every time you need help, and the services are likely cheaper than you think. Call Enright Asphalt for a snow removal quote that won’t break the bank.