KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – BLIZZARD SNOW REMOVAL

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – BLIZZARD SNOW REMOVAL

With all the snow a few hints concerning snow removal on our drive ways and walk ways is definitely needed. After all the snow this year we must be careful when removing the snow and ice not to damage the surfaces.

ASPHALT

Watch Out For: Badly cracked or brittle material. Aggressive shoveling or plowing on an uneven surface can chip off chunks of asphalt.

Best Practices: Keep shovels and snow blower or plow blades at least a half-inch off the surface. If your driveway is badly aged consider repaving it.

CONCRETE

Watch Out For: Rock salt used for de-icing. The salt enters through cracks and corrodes the steel reinforcements embedded in the concrete forcing early replacement.

Best Practices: Use calcium chloride instead which is less corrosive and follow package instructions. Seal your driveway every three to five years to protect rebar.

PAVERS OR BRICK

Watch Out For: Pavers or bricks that protrude from the driveway surface. They can be damaged by the tips of metal shovels or the blades of snow blowers or plows.

Best Practices: Plastic and nonmetal shovels are your best bet for getting rid of snow. And when the thaw comes tamp down any pavers or bricks that stick up.

With the day and a half snow storm make sure you remove the snow in stages. Taking up snow a few inches at a time is much easier than trying to shovel 6 or more inches at once. Also take it easy and take frequent breaks. Take small shovels full and don’t over-exert yourself. Better yet invest in a small snow blower. It’s not worth a heart attack so be careful.

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO