While snow can be pretty to look at, you don’t want it to build up too much on your roof and other areas of your property. Today, Gutter Helmet® of Northern Minnesota, the leading provider of quality gutter protection systems, shares tips on how to manage snow and ice buildup.
1. Use a good shovel. Having a good shovel is a must when removing snow and ice from your home. It can be tempting to buy a cheap one, but it is always wiser to invest in a high-quality and efficient product that will help you get the job done right. Choices include a heavy plastic or aluminum blade shovel. Additionally, you should also consider the size of the shovel. Large shovels may cause back pain and arm stiffness. C-shaped and S-shaped shovels are used for lighter and heavier snowfalls, respectively.
2. Invest in a snow blower. You may think a snow blower is an unnecessary expense, but it can be a great help in the long run. While you may still need to shovel outside, snow blowers can lighten the load by picking up the snow from the ground and throwing it to the side. It’s also a faster method of removing snow on both paved and unpaved surfaces, including driveways, sidewalks and pathways.
3. Avoid dumping snow near your home’s foundation. It’s a common mistake to pile the snow next to the side of the house. Keep in mind, however, that doing so can lead to issues such as frozen pipes and cracks in your home’s foundation. If there are existing cracks, water may seep into them, which may lead to basement flooding. Once the temperature drops, the water could expand and turn to ice, causing further cracking.
4. Shovel as often as you can. It may be tiring, but the reality is that it’s best to shovel as often as you can. Snowfall may not stop, but if you do, it can make shoveling more difficult the next day. You should also take the time to check for any snow buildup in other areas of your home, such as the gutters and downspouts.
One way to protect your home against snow and ice buildup during the winter season is to invest in gutter guards. At Gutter Helmet of Northern Minnesota, we install the top gutter protection systems in the country. These will help keep your gutters free-flowing by keeping unwanted debris out. We also install the Helmet Heat® self-regulating heat tape that will keep your Gutter Helmet®, gutters and downspouts free from damaging snow and ice.
Call us today at (866) 984-6308 or fill out our contact form to learn more about our exceptional products. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Duluth, Minnesota.
