When a winter storm hits, many homeowners anticipate snow removal will mean quickly shoveling walkways and driveways. But plenty of folks delay the cleanup, or do it incorrectly. And unfortunately, the ramifications of this can be fairly severe.
Not handling snow and ice removal correctly can result in major issues, including roof damage and clogged gutters. At times, mishandling snow removal can even turn dangerous.
From ignoring ice dams to not using pet-safe ice melt, be aware of these common snow removal mistakes.
1. Ignoring ice dams
Ice dams on a roof
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Homeowners might be familiar with frozen pipes and icy roads during the winter, but not ice dams.
Mallory Micetich, home expert at Angi, explains that ice dams are ridges of ice that form on roof edges often after a snowstorm. They usually form when there is a difference in temperature between your eaves and your roof.
“Ignoring them can lead to roof leaks, mildew, mold, and rot,” says Micetich. “If you don’t break up these dams, they can expand and spread, leading to a variety of problems.”
To remove ice dams, Micetich suggests first trying to melt them with calcium chloride.
“Fill tights or pantyhose with calcium chloride de-icer, and line the roof,” Micetich says. “This will help melt the ice and drain the water through proper channels.”
If this doesn’t work, enlist an ice dam removal professional.
If you want to prevent dams from forming, keep an eye on your attic’s insulation and ventilation before winter weather hits.
“Talk to a roofing pro about ice and water shields, soffit and ridge vents, weatherstripping, and adding insulation,” says Micetich.
2. Not clearing gutters and downspout drains
It’s a good idea to regularly clear your gutters, even in the winter, and keep them free of snow.
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Maintaining your home’s gutters is important also beyond the autumn months when the leaves are falling. Congested gutters in the winter can prevent snow melt from draining properly. This can result in clogged gutter systems freezing overnight when the temperature dips.
“As the ice expands, it can break and tear your gutter and downspout material,” says Kyle Shirley, owner of Sol Vista Roofing in Denver. “In the worst cases, we have seen this ice rip gutters off completely.”
Regularly clearing your gutters, even in the winter, and keeping them free of snow can help prevent this from happening.
3. Not maintaining snow removal equipment
If you recently bought a snowblower, it’s a good idea to get familiar with it before putting it to use.
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If you’re using a snowblower, do at least one thing before putting it away: clean out its auger and impeller.
“Snow left in these areas of the machine can freeze solid and prevent the snowblower from operating properly at the next startup,” says Eric Halfman, market manager at John Deere. “This can cause damage to the machine’s internal parts.”
If you recently bought a snowblower, Halfman recommends getting familiar with it before putting it to use.
“Read your operator’s manual thoroughly before operating your snowblower,” Halfman says. “Reviewing it as you get ready to start a new season is also a good idea.”
4. Putting off roof snow removal
When the snowfall on your roof exceeds 60 pounds per foot or more, it is time to remove it.
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A light dusting or a couple of inches of snow on your roof might not be a huge worry. However, if the snowfall is heavy and constant, you’ll have a big issue on your hands if you don’t remove it in a timely fashion.
“Too many folks risk roof damage because they don’t know when to act. When the snowfall on your roof exceeds 60 pounds per foot or more, it is time to remove it,” says Bradley Bonnen, founder and CEO of iFlooded Restoration in New York City.
Bonnen explains that 60 pounds of snow per foot equals about 12 inches of fluffy snow or 6 inches of compacted snow.
Keep an eye on the weather forecast, and if a foot or more of snowfall is predicted, grab that roof rake and make a plan to remove the snow.
5. Not using pet-safe ice melt
Carefully read the product label to make sure you are purchasing only pet-safe ice melt.
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Ice melt, used to de-ice driveways and sidewalks, is helpful for homeowners in snowy climates to have on hand. But pet owners should take extra precaution when selecting an ice melt for their property.
“It is important to use pet-safe ice melt when dealing with snow and ice removal, as certain products can be dangerous to pets if ingested,” says Shaun Martin, real estate professional, land developer, and CEO of Cash Home Buying Co. based in Denver.
Carefully read the product label to make sure you are purchasing only pet-safe ice melt.
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