Top 3 Myths That Homeowners Believe About Snow Removal – Common Snow Removal Beliefs Debunked

SUMMARY

Homeowners may think many snow removal myths are true, but you’d be surprised by how inaccurate they are! Sometimes, it may be easier to believe certain snow removal myths because it makes it easier for you, but oftentimes, it just makes it harder for you in the long run. In this article, we hope to provide some interesting facts that may surprise you and even change your snow removal practices. Read on and see if you believe any of these myths or if someone else you know.

“Deicers Eliminate the Need to Shovel”

Deicers seem like a quick and easy solution compared to manually shoveling your driveway, patio, or sidewalk, but it is not an all-in-one solution for snow removal. Deicers are substances that melt and remove ice from various surfaces using chemicals. They can come in liquid or solid form, like rock salt. While they melt compacted snow and ice, it’s not like they will dissolve the snow if you leave it there. They can be applied before or after a snowfall to melt existing ice. However, you still need a shovel in both cases. You still need a shovel to uncover the surface the deicer needs to be applied to (e.g., pavement). It’s not like you can apply it to the snow and it will work efficiently. So, deicers don’t eliminate the need to shovel snow but help the process.

“Snow Removal Should Be Done at Night”

If you’ve seen the Christmas movie, Home Alone, you may be under the impression that people do their snow removal at night. While this could be true, it doesn’t mean that it is the best thing to do. It may seem more convenient since there is less traffic, but there are downsides to performing snow removal at night. For instance, snow shoveled or plowed at night compacts way more easily, making it harder to remove in the long run. This compaction makes snow more prone to freezing. It is also more dangerous since there is less visibility at night, and you will fail to see hidden ice patches, uneven terrain, or other obstacles. This can increase your risk of falling and injuring yourself. So, it is best to clear snow as soon as snowfall stops. You’ll be able to clear the snow before it compacts effectively. If you shovel a little bit every day if there is fresh snowfall, in the long run, it will save you energy and effort compared to waiting for it to build up and have heavier loads you’ll need to deal with.

“Hiring Professional Snow Removal is Too Pricey”

While professional snow removal services are way too expensive and not worth the money, several factors can make it a cost-effective choice for homeowners. We’ll help break down the math for you. The average cost of professional snow removal is approximately $98. Some may even charge up to $30-$100 depending on the amount of snow and the specific service they’re hired for. Suppose you compare it to the average cost of DIY snow removal, between purchasing new equipment and replacement parts and the time and energy it takes to clear large snow areas. In that case, professional snow removal services don’t seem as costly. Snow Removal services offer many benefits in exchange for the price, like being efficient, faster, and reducing your chances of getting injured. It depends on your budget and what is best for you, but professional snow removal services are a viable option and sometimes the more economical choice. Professional snow removal services are more predictable regarding their prices and pricing structures. In contrast, DIY projects may become pricier in comparison at the end of the winter season due to hidden costs or unexpected purchases.