When Is The Best Time To Start Shoveling Snow

Many homeowners are injured each year while shoveling snow. Some of these individuals shovel snow at inopportune times, resulting in hospitalization. Shoveling snow is a difficult task if you don’t know when and where to start. When is the optimum time for snow shoveling? Because of the variety of circumstances, everyone has their own opinion on the subject. Shoveling the snow at the right time will ensure less effort during summer clean-up.

Shoveling and Its Importance

What is shoveling, you may ask? It’s the simple act of using a shovel to remove snow from your property, including sidewalks, driveways, and paths. Its importance lies in its ability to prevent accidents from slippery surfaces, maintain access to and from your property, and protect your surfaces from potential damage due to excessive snow accumulation.

Best Time To Start Shoveling The Snow

Shoveling should be done early in the morning and frequently throughout the day to prevent snow accumulation. When there is a modest amount of snow on the ground, the sun can quickly melt it once the snowstorm has passed. 

You should shovel to one side and straight ahead. If you start slinging a large weight of snow over your shoulder, it’s going to be strenuous.

It’s usually a moment when people shove before they go to work or when they return home late at night. After a nighttime snowstorm, the following morning should be the best time to shovel because the snow will be fluffy.

When it’s snowing, it’s best not to shovel. Because a big snow winter storm can occasionally result in a bodily mishap or injury that can hurt you for a long time. 

Shoveling snow should be done as often as feasible. You should avoid having a mound of snow in your driveway because clearing it will be difficult. Before you start shoveling, understand the tools involved in it to avoid any injuries.

Pet Safe Ice Melt

Tips On Safe Shoveling

While shoveling, there are various measures you should take. They can improve your safety in the event of a snow shoveling mishap. The first thing you’ll need to do is get your wide, multi-purpose plastic snow shovel. 

To avoid slipping on the slippery surface, use a salt-free ice melt. Unlike salt, the non-corrosive and natural ice melt will not damage your concrete. It will help you in keeping your driveway and walkway free from snow. All chloride-based products, including potassium chloride deicer, have adverse effects on the infrastructure and environment. The chlorides are not safe for kids and pets as well. By using a non-chloride and natural ice melt, you will be getting rid of snow without worrying about summer clean-up of residues.

When to Put Ice Melt Down

The timing of applying ice melt can make a significant difference in its effectiveness. Many people wait until after snow or ice has already built up, but being proactive is much more efficient.

• Before the Storm: The best time to apply ice melt is just before snow or freezing rain begins. By putting down a layer of ice melt in advance, you create a barrier that prevents snow and ice from bonding to the surface. This makes it easier to remove and helps avoid dangerous icy patches. Applying ice melt early can also reduce the amount needed after the storm.
• During Snowfall: If you didn’t get the chance to apply ice melt before the snow, applying it during the storm can still help. As snow accumulates, it helps in melting and prevents compaction, making it easier to shovel or remove later.
• After Snow Removal: Once the snow has been shoveled or plowed, adding a fresh layer of ice melt is essential to prevent refreezing. After clearing your surfaces, a light application of ice melt can stop any lingering moisture from turning into hazardous ice patches.

Knowing when to put ice melt down is critical to preventing accidents and minimizing effort during winter.

Types of Ice Melt

Choosing the right type of ice melt can significantly impact the safety of your surfaces, pets, and environment. Here are some common options and their benefits:

1. Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt):
   • This is the most common ice melt option, but it’s also the harshest. It can damage concrete, harm pets, and negatively impact the environment. It works best in temperatures above 15°F.
2. Calcium Chloride:
   • Known for its ability to work in extremely low temperatures (as low as -25°F), calcium chloride is a faster-acting ice melt. However, it can be corrosive and harsh on surfaces, so use it sparingly.
3. Magnesium Chloride:
   • This is considered a more environmentally friendly option and is less corrosive than calcium chloride or rock salt. Magnesium chloride is also a pet-friendly ice melt, making it a safer choice for homes with animals.
4. Urea-Based Ice Melts:
   • Urea is a gentler alternative often used around sensitive vegetation. It is also effective in low temperatures and is best suited for areas where pet and plant safety is a concern.
5. Eco-Friendly Ice Melt Solutions:
   • Many companies now offer blends that are specifically designed to be safer for the environment, pets, and concrete surfaces. These are typically labeled as eco-friendly or pet-safe options, and they often contain less corrosive ingredients like magnesium chloride or calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Although CMA doesn’t work at low temperatures and magnesium chloride is still chloride.

Preventive Measures for Effective Ice Melt Application

While knowing when to put ice melt down is crucial, understanding how to apply it effectively ensures maximum safety and minimal damage to your surfaces.

1. Even Application: Spread the ice melt evenly over the surface. Avoid piling it up in one area as this can lead to product waste and damage to surfaces.
2. Use the Right Amount: More is not always better when it comes to ice melt. Overapplication can leave behind ice melt residue and contribute to surface damage. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage to get the best results.
3. Clear the Snow First: Before applying ice melt, shovel or remove as much snow as possible. This allows the product to come into direct contact with the ice, speeding up the melting process.
4. Consider Pet-Safe Options: If you have pets, opt for a pet-safe ice melt like magnesium chloride or urea-based products. These are formulated to be less harmful to animals’ paws and are safer for them if ingested.

By applying ice melt at the right time and using the appropriate type for your needs, you can prevent slips, falls, and surface damage, ensuring a safe winter for everyone.

Who Is In Danger, And Why Is Shoveling So Hazardous? 

When shoveling snow, make sure you are wearing thick socks, a winter hat, and gloves. Exposure to extreme cold for an extended amount of time may be harmful to your skin cells. 

People over the age of 55 who have heart disease, a slow or fast heart rate, or warning indications of a heart attack, as well as diabetics, are at risk of shoveling snow because the passage of oxygen in the blood is reduced by chilly air.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Effective Techniques and Safety Measures To Shovel Snow

Knowing how to snow shovel effectively can save you time and protect your health. Begin by dressing warmly and stretching before you start. When you shovel, bend your knees and use your legs to lift the snow, rather than your back. Keep the loads light, and if the snow is deep, remove it in layers.

Shoveling snow safely should be a top priority. Take breaks when needed and stay hydrated. Clearing your driveway doesn’t have to be a race, take it slow and steady. And remember, after you’ve finished shoveling, applying a product like Safe Paw can help ensure the snow and ice don’t build back up.

Conclusion

Many people choose to shovel snow based on preferences but, the determining factor should be safety. The optimum time to shovel snow is when it is safe to do so, not in the morning, afternoon, before it snows, or when you feel like it. 

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

FAQs

Other Ice Melt Products