Keeping your driveways clear of snow in the winter months

Keeping driveways clear of snow in the winter can not always be the easiest task.  After we have installed you a beautiful driveway, it can soon be all covered in snow once the winter weather arrives.

Here are a few tips on keeping your driveways and paths clear;

Make sure you pay extra attention to the snow especially when it comes to steps and pathways which are steep. Using more salt on these areas could be a good idea.

If you put of clearing your driveways and paths, you can be making them more dangerous by causing them to refreeze.

If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful – don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

Clearing the snow on driveways and paths early morning

Fresh snow fall is easier to clear than hard snow that has managed to be packed together. It tends to pack together when people start to walk on it. If possible remove the snow and ice from your driveway in the morning.

By removing the top layer of snow early morning. When the sun comes out it will help melt the ice underneath. Cover the path with sale on the evening to stop it freezing when temperatures drop overnight.

Should i use water on my driveway?

Using water to melt the snow on your paths or driveway. May make it refreeze and turn to black ice. This can make your paths and driveways very slippery and dangerous. To help prevent black ice, spread salt on the areas cleared.

If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt – a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins – this will be needed to keep the roads clear. If you don’t have any salt try using sand or ash, these won’t stop them icing over, but it will hopefully help a little with the grip.

Moving the snow from driveways and paths.

When removing the snow from driveways and paths, remember to take care where you put it. Don’t block other peoples walkways or paths. Shovel snow from the centre of your pathways to the sides and the same with your driveways.

Help your neighbours

If you have neighbours who cannot manage themselves. Why not offer to help clear the snow and ice from their property. During these periods of bad weather it is a time when many community’s work together to try and help each other get through the winter months.

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