Q: How do I know what size of snowblower to get?

• <div><p>Snowblowers come in <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-size-snow-blower.htm">three different sizes</a>: first-, second-, and third-stage blowers. Each additional stage is larger with higher intakes, more powerful, and has more gear options.</p><p>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&rsquo;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.</p></div>

Q: What can I use to make my driveway less slippery if I don’t have a deicer?

• <div><p>If a big freeze catches you by surprise and you don&rsquo;t have any deicer to hand, you can reduce the chance of taking a tumble by laying gritty, anti-slip materials. Some natural, readily-available options that don&rsquo;t melt ice but offer traction underfoot include sand, wood shavings, kitty litter, and fireplace ash.</p></div>

Q: What is the best way to remove snow from your roof?

• <div><p>There are several <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/tips-removing-snow-and-ice-your-roof.htm">ways to remove snow from your roof</a>: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It&rsquo;s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you&rsquo;re doing this type of work. </p></div>

Question 1

How long does removal take?

Accepted Answer

•

Removal typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour per item, depending on accessibility and size.

Question 2

How do I know what size of snowblower to get?

Accepted Answer

•

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.

Question 3

What can I use to make my driveway less slippery if I don’t have a deicer?

Accepted Answer

•

If a big freeze catches you by surprise and you don’t have any deicer to hand, you can reduce the chance of taking a tumble by laying gritty, anti-slip materials. Some natural, readily-available options that don’t melt ice but offer traction underfoot include sand, wood shavings, kitty litter, and fireplace ash.

Question 4

What is the best way to remove snow from your roof?

Accepted Answer

•

There are several ways to remove snow from your roof: using a snow rake, salting the roof with calcium chloride, using a rope (cautiously), and using heating cables. It’s important to mention that pretty, fluffy, sparkling snow weighs a great deal, and when physically removing snow from a roof, you should be aware of large snow slabs breaking off. These can weigh hundreds of pounds and are a real danger, so be extremely careful anytime you’re doing this type of work.

Question 5

Will salt melt ice overnight?

Accepted Answer

•

Whether salt melts ice overnight will depend on how low the temperature drops. If temperatures stay around 30 degrees Fahrenheit, you can count on salt melting ice overnight. Otherwise, the lower temperatures get, the less effective the salt is in melting ice, and the more likely you’ll wake up with a slippery driveway the next day.