Get matched with top snow removal pros in Bolt, WV

While most people associate defrosting icy roads with salt, you can also use sugar for a similar result. Sugar lowers the freezing point of water, melting ice in a pinch.

However, sugar doesn’t melt ice as well as salt because it doesn’t separate the water molecules as efficiently. So, if you need to quickly melt a stubborn patch of ice on your driveway or walkway, it’s best to use salt over sugar for faster results.

It is not advisable to use salt on your roof to prevent or remove ice dams. It’s not only mostly ineffective but can also cause serious damage to your roof itself. Salt can rust metal, damage masonry, pit shingles, and cause runoff that’s damaging to plants and animals. 

If you’re struggling to find anything else suitable in your cupboards, a vinegar and water ice melt makes for a passable quick fix. Just don’t expect it to clear your concrete the way commercial products or rock salt will. Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water and squeegee away the watery slush to prevent more slippery surfaces from forming.

That depends on the size of your snow blower and how efficiently it uses fuel. Most snow blowers will last between 1 and 2 hours on a full tank of gas. Larger blowers tend to use fuel more quickly and need refilling more often.

Keep in mind, the average snow blowing project for a home driveway takes around 30 minutes. Large driveways and yards will take around an hour. A full tank of gas should be more than enough for snow removal, although the height of the snowfall will have an effect, too.