Snow and iceStart here9 sources
Snow and Ice Removal: Shovels, Snowblowers, Ice Melt, Roof Rakes
Clear snow and ice after a storm: shovels and pushers, single-stage or two-stage snowblowers, which ice melt to use, and roof rakes for ice dams.
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Quick reference4 facts
| Light snow on pavement | A wide pusher, with no lifting |
|---|---|
| Single-stage snowblower (Toro) | Ideal for snow up to about 9 inches |
| Rock salt (University of Maryland Extension) | Stops working below about 18°F |
| Roof snow (FEMA) | Leave at least 2 inches; scraping bare can damage the roof |
On this page (4 sections)
Match the tool to the snow and the surface. A wide pusher or an ergonomic shovel handles a few inches on walks, a single-stage snowblower suits paved driveways that get under about 9 inches, and a two-stage machine takes deeper, wetter snow. Shovel first, then use as little ice melt as the cold allows.
Each guide in this section takes one job, from the driveway to the roof edge, and compares the tools for it.
Shovel or snowblower for your driveway
A wide pusher moves light snow on pavement without lifting, and an ergonomic combo shovel handles heavier snow with less bending. Toro recommends its 60V cordless power shovel for snow up to 6 inches. Shoveling is hard work for the heart: the American Heart Association says anyone with heart disease should ask a doctor before shoveling. Snow shovels compared covers blade widths and pushers.
Toro rates its single-stage Power Clear 721 R as ideal for snow up to 9 inches and its two-stage Power Max 826 OHAE for up to 12 inches. To clear a clog, CPSC says to stop the engine and use a long stick, never your hands. Single-stage vs two-stage snowblowers compares widths, intake heights and gas or battery power.
Snowblowers, single-stage and two-stage
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Pick an ice melt for the cold
University of Maryland Extension lists rock salt’s minimum working temperature at 18°F and marks it as harmful to concrete, metal and plants. Calcium chloride keeps working far colder. The ASPCA says pet-friendly ice melts are typically urea or magnesium chloride, and they can still upset a pet’s stomach.
| Deicer | Lowest working temperature | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Rock salt | 18°F | University of Maryland Extension |
| Calcium chloride | -22°F | University of Maryland Extension |
Ice melt vs rock salt compares the rest, with notes on new concrete and plants.
Rake snow off the roof edge
Ice dams form when heat from the house melts roof snow and the water refreezes at the colder eaves, as Building Science Corporation explains. A roof rake pulls snow off the lower roof while you stand on the ground. FEMA says to leave at least 2 inches on the roof, since scraping it bare can damage the covering. Roof rakes and ice dams covers the lasting fixes in the attic.
Snow and ice guides at a glance
Snow shovelsPushers, ergonomic shovels and cordless power shovels.
SnowblowersSingle-stage or two-stage, gas or battery.
Ice meltWhich deicer works in the cold, and which is kinder to pets.
Roof rakesWhy ice dams form and how to clear the roof edge.Boots with grip for icy walks are in the snow boots section, and the full storm plan in prepare.
Sources
- Snow shoveling can be hazardous to your heartAmerican Heart Association
- 60V MAX 12 in. Power Shovel (39909)The Toro Company
- 21 in. (53 cm) Power Clear 721 R Gas Snow Blower (38752)The Toro Company
- 26 in. Power Max 826 OHAE Snow Blower (37802)The Toro Company
- Snow Thrower Safety (CPSC Safety Alert, Publication 5117)U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Melting Ice SafelyUniversity of Maryland Extension
- Keeping Pets Safe during Winter: The Dangers of Ice MeltsASPCA
- BSD-135: Ice DamsBuilding Science Corporation
- Snow Load Safety Guide (FEMA P-957)Federal Emergency Management Agency
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