How Do You Remove Snow From Your House in Ontario?

It’s snowy season in Ontario, and everyone is gearing up to enjoy the season and make snow angels. While the snow does look magical, it needs to be regularly removed before it forms into ice. Whether you own a house or live in a rental home, every property owner in Ontario is required to clear ice and snow from their property within 24 hours of a snowfall by law. This includes removing snow from sidewalks, driveways, parking spaces, ramps, and steps, etc. Failure to comply with the law may result in a fine. 

So, knowing how to remove snow from your house is the best way to prevent that from happening and stay in compliance with the public ordinance. In this article below, we have mentioned different tips and techniques for homeowners to apply when clearing their property of snow. While snow removal companies like Custodia are excellent at this job, you should learn a few methods yourself to have a snow-free property all the time. So, let’s dive in. 

Effective Snow Removal Techniques From Your House

According to a report, Ontario gets around 51″ of snow cover on average every year, where January is the snowiest month of the year for most Canadians. While snow does look majestic and adds charm to the winter magic, accumulated snow can halt daily activities and sometimes result in severe accidents. Therefore, there are laws and regulations in place for removing snow around the house. 

To make sure you comply with these laws, here are a few effective snow removal techniques: 

Shoveling

Shoveling is one of the most common, effective, and eco-friendly ways of removing snow and ice from any property. However, before you shovel the sideways, driveways, steps, ramps, and other areas around the house, the correct posture is necessary to prevent any injuries. When shovelling, make sure to keep your back straight, knees bent, and lift with your legs. Keeping your core muscles engaged to support your spine will minimize the strain on the lower back, avoiding any back pain later. 

Moreover, if you already have back pain problems, try to use only a lightweight and ergonomic shovel. Plus, shovel as early as possible while the snow is still fresh and before it becomes harder to remove. However, it is only sometimes the most efficient way of doing so. If the snow is a few feet high and you have a vast property to clear, look for other ways to clear snow. Also, for seniors, hiring professional snow removal services like Custodia is recommended, as they can handle snow piles in no time. Plus, their handyman services cater to a range of other home maintenance needs.

Using an Energy-Efficient Snow Blower

Well, shovelling can be time-consuming and a daunting task, especially if there is a heavy snowfall. In this case, snowblowing goes a long way. Traditionally, gas snow blowers are used mainly due to their powerful performance and ability to clear out heavy snow quickly and efficiently. However, better alternatives, such as battery-operated electric snow blowers, are becoming popular. They are more energy-efficient, low-maintenance, and reliable options than their traditional counterpart. 

Using an energy-efficient snowblower will not only blast snow off your property but also reduce carbon emissions into the air. Before using it, carefully inspect the blower to ensure it is clean and functional. Moreover, remember to wear safety gloves and boots when using the snow blower to clear the property. Operate the snow blower at a steady pace, as you want to keep the machine manageable. Lastly, blow the snow in the same direction so that you do not have to clear the same area repeatedly.

Using a De-Icer

Another effective technique for removing snow from around the house is using a de-icer. It is a chemical that is used to melt the ice or prevent it from forming by lowering the freezing point of the water. Removing snow and ice from around the house by using a de-icer starts right before snowfall. You need to apply it on surfaces such as sidewalks, roads, and parking spaces before a snow or ice event hits. Doing so will create a barrier between the surface and the incoming snow so that you can easily scrape it off later. 

Applying the de-icer will make it easier for you to remove the snow and ice using a shovel, which eventually reduces the risks of any injuries and accidents. This will not only save you a lot of time but also keep you and your family safe. However, make sure you are not overapplying the de-icer, as it can be damaging to the surface. Make sure to apply it within 48 hours before or after the storm so that it can prevent the snow from forming into ice. 

Using Hot Water

The cheapest and easiest way of melting snow from the property is preparing a mixture of hot water with a few drops of dish soap and a little rubbing alcohol. The hot water will melt the snow, and the rubbing alcohol will speed up thr melting process, giving the desired results in no time. After preparing this DIY mixture, pour it over the ice on driveways, sidewalks, ramps, and anywhere where the snow has accumulated. 

However, this method requires you to be extra careful to prevent any injuries and hazards. Before pouring the mixture, wear waterproof and insulated boots to avoid any burns and accidents. But only if you have a small property with a small driveway can hot water be an effective way to melt and remove snow from the house quickly. This method will not work if you want to melt a significant amount of snow from a large property. 

Using Heated Snow Melting Pads

If you are looking for another eco-friendly and safe method of getting rid of snow and ice from your property, heated snow melting pads are the best solution. The best thing about using melting pads is that they can be left outside for a long time and can withstand snow storms and harsh weather conditions. Plus, they have no negative impact on the environment, allowing you to follow eco-friendly practices. 

What you need to do for the ice to melt is to place these snow-melting pads on driveways, parking spaces, and walkways before the snowfall so that it does not accumulate. These melting pads can melt over 2 inches of snow in an hour, making them perfect for heavy and light snowfall days. 

Hiring Professional Snow Removal Services

While getting rid of snow from your property within 24 hours is required by the law, during a snowstorm, a few feet of snow can accumulate within a day. During such events, it can be challenging for homeowners to go out and clear out snow during and after the storm. Also, for seniors, clearing snow every other day is impossible. Doing so requires years of experience, specialized equipment, and hours to remove the snow and ice from the property.

So, if you cannot handle the snow pile-up, hiring professional snow removal services in Ontario, like Custodia, is the best way to clear your property. They have years of experience and equipment to clear out the snow from your gutters, roofs, driveways, and sidewalks to ensure your property stays accessible. 

Tips For Making Snow Removal Easier From Your Home in Ontario

If you are clearing snow and ice from your home, knowing these tips will make the task a lot easier and faster. Here are a few tips to make cleanup faster:

• Start Early: If you are doing it yourself, do not wait for layers of snow to accumulate or ice to form. Start as early as possible when the snow is still fresh. This will ensure a quick and safe snow cleanup.

• Rake the Roof: When snow melts and refreezes, it can result in ice dams that can block gutters and cause water to seep into the house. So, in Ontario, you should rake your roof to prevent ice dams, reduce snow accumulation, protect shingles, and avoid any water damage.

• Use the Right Tools: Use proper tools and equipment, such as an ergonomic shove,l to get rid of the snow without any injuries or hazards.

• Push Don’t Pull: To reduce any risk of injuries and strain on your back, move snow away from you. This means you need to push the snow instead of lifting it. 

• Sprinkle Salt Afterwards: After you have removed the snow from the surface, sprinkle the area with slat afterwards, as it works best as a deicing agent and will help melt the ice quicker during the next snowfall. 

• Work at the Right Time: The best time to remove the snow or ice is midday when the temperature is usually high, even on colder days.

Final Words

Follow the above tips and apply the methods to remove the snow from your property effectively. Getting rid of the snow regularly will keep your property clear, accessible, and safe. However, if you cannot carry out the job yourself, you must hire professionals like Custodia in Ontario to clear up snow effectively and professionally.