By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Snow Removal Tips

As winter settles in, snow shoveling becomes an unavoidable part of the season, but it doesn’t have to be a miserable chore. With some preparation and thoughtful technique, you can make the job easier, safer, and far more efficient.

Start by preparing your outdoor space before the first snowfall. Walk around your yard or driveway and remove anything that might get buried or damaged under the snow, such as lawn décor, hoses, pet tie-outs, and outdoor toys. If you have areas that can’t be cleared completely, such as garden beds, shrubs, or equipment stored outdoors, mark them with stakes or reflective garden markers. Doing this not only protects your property but also prevents you from unintentionally hitting hidden obstacles with your shovel or snow blower.

You can also reduce how much snow you’ll have to clear by using strategic coverings. Heavy-duty waterproof tarps can be anchored over cars, porch steps, or narrow pathways before a storm. Once the snow ends, lift the tarp to reveal a clean, ice-free surface underneath. It may require brushing off loose snow first, but it saves considerable time and effort overall. Just remember to secure the tarp well so wind doesn’t send it flying. Before heading outside, dress properly with insulated gloves, boots with good traction, and layered clothing to help keep you warm while reducing your risk of slipping.

When it’s time to shovel, using the right tools and technique protects your body and prevents injury. Snow shovels vary widely: some are designed to push snow like a plow, while others are curved for lifting. Lightweight, ergonomic shovels can help reduce strain, especially if you’re clearing a large area. While lifting, bend from your knees instead of your waist to keep pressure off your lower back. It’s also safer to take smaller loads of snow rather than overfilling the shovel, even if it adds a little time. Clearing snow shortly after snowfall ends can make the job easier since fresh snow is lighter and less compacted. Once everything is cleared, applying ice melt or rock salt on exposed surfaces helps prevent refreezing and slippery patches.

With a little planning and the right approach, snow removal becomes far more manageable, letting you stay safe and keep your home accessible all winter long.

Have a safe winter!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • 0 Comments

Snow Removal Tips

As we have entered another winter season, it’s time to prepare for everyone’s favorite holiday activity: shoveling snow. Instead of suffering when shoveling, why not simplify the task with a few simple suggestions?

Before the snow falls, take some preemptive action. Anything that you don't want to be ruined by snow should be removed from your yard, including decorations, hoses, dog tie-outs, and children's toys. To avoid unintentional snow accumulation when it comes time to shovel, stake out garden beds or other areas of your yard that hold items that cannot be carried inside or kept in a shed. A little home surveying goes a long way!

To reduce how much clearing you’ll have to do, try obtaining a few waterproof tarps, and don’t forget to weigh or tie them down when being used to avoid them from flying away. Waterproof tarps can be positioned over sidewalks, walkways, and even vehicles to protect their surfaces and lessen post-snowfall cleanup. Before going outside to remove the tarps and make shoveling snow easier, wear gloves, boots with good traction, and layers of clothes. Remove the tarp once the snow stops falling to expose clear vehicles and/or pathways underneath. Even though it could take some shoveling to lighten the weight of the tarp, it still offers a good amount of protection.

Now, when it comes to shoveling snow, make sure you’re doing it correctly and safely. Do some research on the different types of shovels to determine which ones are the right fit for you. Shovels come in different types, shapes, and price points. After selecting the shovel that fits your needs best, make sure when raising the shovel, you bend at the knees rather than the back to protect your back. Consider not overfilling the shovel to avoid shoulder strain. Speed is not as important as safety! If possible, try to shovel the snow as soon as it stops snowing, as fresh snow tends to weigh less than snow that has begun to melt. And don’t forget to add salt on clear areas to avoid hard ice from developing, causing dangerous, slippery areas.

Have a safe winter!

 

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • • • • 0 Comments

Snow Removal Tips

With winter on the horizon, it’s time to prepare for everyone’s favorite holiday activity: shoveling snow. Rather than soldiering on through blizzards with a shovel and a bad back, why not make the job easier with a few easy tips?

Before the snow falls, take some preemptive action. Clear your yard of anything that you don’t want to get destroyed by snow (or even snow removal), such as hoses, decorations, or dog tie-outs. Stake out garden beds or any portions of your yard that contain elements that cannot be brought inside or stored in a shed, preventing accidental snow build-up when it comes time to shovel and dump snow. A little home surveying goes a long way!

If you know snow is imminent and want to lessen how much clearing you’ll have to do, consider buying a few waterproof tarps. These can be placed over sidewalks, walkways, and even cars to help protect their surfaces and decrease post-snowfall clearing. Remember to weigh the tarps down with stones or bricks, or to tie them down if being used to cover your car. After the snow has fallen, remove the tarp to reveal a clean walkway or car underneath. It may require a little shoveling to lighten the tarp’s load, but it still provides a protective barrier nonetheless.

If your shovel tosses are getting lighter because snow keeps sticking, consider using a lubricant. WD-40, petroleum jelly, and even some cooking spray can help prevent snow from sticking to your shovel, allowing for more successful scoops. Family Handyman recommends wiping down your tools before storing them to prevent rust build-up and to increase each tool’s longevity.

Rather than using a standard, straight-handled shovel or a snow-blower reliant on gas, consider upgrading to something more ergonomically- and ecologically-friendly. There are a variety to choose from, such as Garant’s sleigh shovels designed to scoop and push while lessening the strain on your back, or even the Snow Bully which uses a set of wheels to act as a small snow plow. If you’re not ready to let go of the snow shovel that has been passed down through your family for generations, consider getting an attachment for it that will still help lessen the strain on your back, such as an eziMate, which creates an additional point of leverage with a detachable handle.

If you pinched a nerve and it’s flurrying outside, break out the leaf blower to take care of some light dustings. Additionally, a wet / dry vacuum such as a Shop-Vac can be turned into a makeshift snowblower by attaching the hose to the exhaust, pointing, and blowing the snow away.

While enjoying a well-deserved rest inside, be sure to keep an eye on the snowfall. Although it may seem irritating to continuously trudge outdoors to shovel, it’s easier to move light, fluffy snow every few hours than having to somehow lift packed blocks of ice out of your driveway.

By Decire Gonzalez KC'S BLOG • • • • 0 Comments

Tips for Snow Cleanup

 

With winter weather in full swing, it’s time to prepare for everyone’s favorite holiday activity: shoveling snow. Rather than soldiering on through blizzards with a shovel and a bad back, why not make the job easier with a few easy tips?

Before the snow falls, take some preemptive action. Clear your yard of anything that you don’t want to get destroyed by snow (or even snow removal), such as hoses, decorations, or dog tie-outs. Stake out garden beds or any portions of your yard that contain elements that cannot be brought inside or stored in a shed. This will prevent accidental snow buildup when it comes time to shovel and dump snow. A little home surveying goes a long way!

If you know snow is imminent and want to lessen the amount of clearing you’ll have to do, consider buying a few waterproof tarps. These can be placed over sidewalks, walkways, and even cars to help protect their surfaces and decrease post-snowfall clearing. Remember to weigh the tarps down with stones or bricks, or to tie them down if being used to cover your car. After the snow has fallen, remove the tarp to reveal a clean walkway or car underneath. It may require a little shoveling to lighten the tarp’s load, but it will provides a protective barrier nonetheless.

If your shovel tosses are getting lighter because snow keeps sticking, consider using a lubricant. WD-40, petroleum jelly, or even some cooking spray can help prevent snow from sticking to your shovel, allowing for more successful scoops. Family Handyman recommends wiping down your tools before storing them to prevent rust buildup and to increase each tool’s longevity.

Rather than using a standard, straight-handled shovel or a snow-blower reliant on gas, consider upgrading to something more ergonomically- and ecologically-friendly. There are a variety to choose from, such as Garant’s sleigh shovels designed to scoop and push while lessening the strain on your back, or even the Snow Bully which uses a set of wheels to act as a small snow plow. If you’re not ready to let go of the snow shovel that has been passed down through your family for generations, consider getting an attachment that will still help lessen the strain on your back, such as an eziMate, which creates an additional point of leverage with a detachable handle.

If you pinched a nerve and it’s flurrying outside, break out the leaf blower to take care of some light dustings. Additionally, a wet/dry vacuum such as a Shop-Vac can be turned into a makeshift snowblower by attaching the hose to the exhaust, pointing, and blowing the snow away.

While enjoying a well-deserved rest inside, be sure to keep an eye on the snowfall. Although it may seem irritating to continuously trudge outdoors to shovel, it’s easier to move light, fluffy snow every few hours than having to somehow lift packed blocks of ice out of your driveway.