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Debunking Common Myths Related To Snow Removal

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Brittany Wolfe
Debunking Common Myths Related To Snow Removal

At its front, snow removal seems like a simple job. You just need to remove snow and ice from the area. But people tend to have many misconceptions about what methods work best or how safe they are. They often end up creating more work for themselves or causing injuries. That’s why it’s best to leave this task to Denver snow removal services.

 

If you’d rather handle the task yourself, then you should get rid of these myths from your mind. It will help you get the job done right and ensure everyone’s safety.

 

Pouring Hot Water On Snow Is A Good Idea

Many people pour hot water on the ice to melt it. Many even go so far as to promote it as an eco-friendly method. Yes, hot water doesn’t contain harmful chemicals and can melt some of the ice. But it's eventually going to freeze and create an even greater problem called black ice.

 

Black ice isn’t black in color, it’s so transparent that you can see the black road below. This creates patches of ice that are hard to see. Drivers and pedestrians could slip on them and injure themselves, leading to lawsuits. So, do not use hot water to remove snow.

 

Shoveling Is Unnecessary

Deicing salts are not enough to clear your premises of ice on their own. They’re meant to be used as a support to loosen the icy layer from the ground. You need to shovel the snow and ice to prevent it from refreezing and damaging the surface. Using deicing agents and shovels together can help you save on Denver asphalt repair contractors.

 

The same applies to snowplows. Deicing agents can only help you make it easier for the plow to clear a large area.

 

More Deicer Means Faster Melting

Pouring too much deicer does not guarantee that the ice will melt faster. You only end up wasting money replacing the deicing salts. How fast deicers work does not depend on how much you pour. It depends on the temperature and other conditions. It works best before the ice has already formed.

 

Using too much deicer only ends up giving you a slushy surface that could cause people and vehicles to slip. Moreover, these salts contain chemicals that may pollute nearby water sources. Read the directions on the package to find out how to use it properly.

 

Sand, Kitty Litter And Ash Melt Snow

You’ve probably come across tons of blogs claiming sand, kitty litter and ash as eco-friendly alternatives to deicers. But these materials don’t melt the snow. They only help you add some traction to the frozen floor, preventing slippage.

 

Night Is The Best Time

Parking lots tend to be emptier at night, that’s why many recommend removing snow at this time. While the lack of cars gives you less to worry about, waiting until nightfall isn’t a good idea. Waiting for too long might cause the snow piles to get compressed into solid ice. This will make removing them more difficult. 

 

You need to start removing the snow as soon as it starts falling. Adding deicing salts before snowfall can be helpful.

 

Snow And Ice Pellets Are Edible

Snow and ice pellets may seem as clear as pure water but they’re far from pure. Toxic gases from vehicle exhaust can contaminate the precipitation. This makes eating snow and ice pellets unsafe to consume, so don’t eat them.

 

Weather Warnings Are Not Important

Ignoring weather warnings is never a good idea, especially when there’s a chance of a heavy snowstorm. You should keep track of weather reports and prepare accordingly. Take an emergency winter kit in your car whenever you go out.

 

Icicles Aren’t Dangerous

People tend to focus on the ground and forget about the icicles hanging above their heads. These can cause injuries and deaths if they fall and should be cleared carefully.

 

You Can Ignore Snow On Roof

It depends. If your building is newly constructed according to local codes, then it can withstand heavy snowfall. But there might be a limit after which you need to clear the snow for safety. Older roofs may be more vulnerable to heavy snowfall.

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Brittany Wolfe
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