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Snowblowers come in three different sizes: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.

A first-stage blower, also called a snow thrower, is usually best for snow 6 to 8 inches or below. Electric snow blowers are usually only available in this size. If you regularly get snow that’s well above six inches, consider a second-stage snow blower. If snowstorms dump 2 to 3 feet of snow repeatedly during winter, you need a third-stage snow blower to tackle it.

The best snow removal tools include a snowblower or a plastic shovel since they're less likely to damage your driveway's surface. Metal shovels can crack asphalt and concrete. It's also a good idea to install driveway markers since they can make it much easier for you to identify where you should shovel without damaging the surrounding yard. 

Natural ice melts can often get the job done without damaging concrete. You can try non-corrosive options such as kitty litter, alfalfa meal, coffee grounds, sugar beet juice, and heated snow-melting mats. While they may cause some staining, these natural melts are safe for concrete, pets, and the environment.

Roof raking helps clear snowfall from your roof and, in turn, you hope that this prevents ice dams. But can roof raking actually cause them? Generally, no, it cannot. But you should note that while, in some cases, you might successfully prevent ice dams from forming near the edge of your roof by keeping it cleared with a roof rake, they could still form higher up on the roof, where you are unable to reach. This may leave you wondering: Does roof raking prevent ice dams? While it is not a 100% guaranteed way to prevent them, it does help.