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>

Question 1

What's the best way to melt ice without damaging concrete?

Accepted Answer

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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.

Question 2

What can happen if you don’t remove ice dams?

Accepted Answer

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If not removed, ice dams can damage your gutters, roof, and home’s interior. The weight of these heavy ice formations can break gutters and downspouts. Water intrusion can happen underneath ice dams when there’s no way for melting snow to drain off the roof, and roof sheathing, walls, ceilings, and attic spaces can suffer water damage.

Question 3

Can I use a snow blower on a deck or patio?

Accepted Answer

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Yes, but it works best with lightweight snowblowers, the single-stage models or electric versions. Also, you need to have a rubberized intake edge on the ground and preferably rubberized auger paddles, not a metal version. Otherwise you may chip or damage the surface as you work. When it doubt, let the snow lie.

You can also use a snow blower on leveled gravel, but only if you carefully adjust the intake height so it doesn’t kick up the gravel and turn it into flying missiles.

Question 4

What is the best way to remove snow from driveways?

Accepted Answer

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The best way to remove snow from driveways is to use a two- or three-stage snow blower, which has the power to clear snow in a matter of minutes. Don’t forget to consider helpful options, such as a snow thrower, wheelbarrow plow, leaf blower, and hiring a professional snow removal company to clear off your driveway.

Question 5

How do I know what size of snowblower to get?

Accepted Answer

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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.