Chances are you’re reading this article because you have a long driveway, you live somewhere snowy, and you’re tired of the inconvenience that those two factors create. Clearing a long driveway of snow and ice can be time-consuming and even dangerous due to the size of the job. If you need to clear your driveway every time it snows, it can result in a lot of time and energy spent on a single chore.
So how can you safely and effectively clear your long driveway of snow? What are the best ways to achieve this end? What are the techniques and equipment necessary to stop clearing your long driveway from being a hassle? Let’s find out below.
Outdoor Electric Heating
Depending on your snow removal needs, installing a radiant heating system might be your best bet for keeping your longer driveway safe and free of snow. A heated driveway will melt all snowfall without any additional effort on your part: although a bigger investment than some of the other suggestions on our list, the option of a heated driveway is also the easiest solution.
A radiant heated driveway is a great option for folks who don’t have the time or ability to shovel, as it will quickly and easily melt snow and ice on its own. However, this is a large investment that will cost a few thousand dollars at the least – the longer the driveway, the higher the expense. A heated driveway will also increase your monthly utility bills significantly. Although heated driveways are increasing in residential popularity, they are most often utilized for commercial enterprises. There are a few different types of systems available, so make sure to do your research before committing to a radiant heating system.
Snowblower
Another great option for saving time – and your back – when it comes to removing snow from a long driveway is a snowblower. These powerful machines make it easy to remove snow from larger areas in a brief amount of time.
Using a snow blower is a great option for longer driveways as they provide a lot of power but do not require much storage or maintenance. Some models even have electric starters, and most engines are four-cycle, requiring only gasoline to run.
There are many different options and price points when it comes to snow blowers. Some are as easy to operate and store as a lawnmower, while others can be carried like a backpack. On the lighter end of the scale there are even “power shovels”, reminiscent of a weedwhacker or stick vacuum, but for snow.
Snowplow
If you have a really long driveway, none of the above options may seem feasible. Even with the help of a powerful snow blower, you might be looking at a few hours of work every time there is heavy snowfall.
If this is the case, we recommend a snowplow. This is another larger investment but could save you a lot of time and strain. Unfortunately, this is only an option if you have a vehicle to mount it on, such as a compatible truck. Otherwise, you would need to have a personal vehicle such as a UTV or ATV to mount it on. Purchasing and installing a snowplow can be a complex process, but it will be well worth it for the ease this option provides.
Call a Professional Snow Removal Company
If none of the above are viable options for you, then your best bet is to call a reputable local snow removal company. Shovelling snow might not seem like a complicated chore, but keeping your driveway clear safely and effectively isn’t always as easy as it seems. This is especially true if you have a long driveway. Leaving it to the professionals is more economical than it seems, and a reliable snow removal expert is a great resource to have!
Snow removal companies invest in the techniques and resources necessary to ensure that any area is safe from snow and ice. They also save you the concern of keeping up with the chore when an unexpected snowfall comes at an inconvenient time: snow removal companies do their best to schedule their rounds in a manner that ensures all of their customers are taken care of before snow and ice accumulate into stubborn slippery spots.
We hope this article has helped you to find the best way to keep your long driveway safe and snow-free.
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