Save your back: Safe snow removal tips
Snow. Snow. And more snow.
Many Canadians have already seen a lot of the white stuff since the New Year began. Areas in Ontario’s cottage country, for example, were faced with major squalls that dumped between 25 to 70 cm in January.
As a homeowner, when the snow falls it means cleanup. Its removal matters for more reasons than just being able to get out of your home or driveway. Most municipalities have bylaws that require residents to clear their walkways within a certain time period - often within 24 to 48 hours of it falling. You can be fined for failing to do so.
But removing snow from your property is important for other reasons including:
Preventing structural damage: It can cause damage to your home, including the roof, which can leak or even collapse because of the weight of snow. Ice dams can also form on the edges of your roof, preventing water from draining properly.
Avoiding slips and falls: Snow and ice makes surfaces slippery with the potential for injuries and lawsuits if someone is injured on your property. Clearing snow helps keep everyone safe.
Knowing the best time to clear snow will help you stay safe and protect your property. Start shovelling when the accumulation reaches 5 cm. It’s easier to push away a small amount of light snow than a large amount of heavy snow. Shovel multiple times during a storm if possible. (Note: Shovelling is hard work. If you have a medical condition, check with your doctor before attempting.)
The Canada Safety Council recommends:
Stretch and warm up Limber up for five to 10 minutes to prevent muscle strain and injury.
Wear appropriate clothing If it’s cold out, layer up. The layer closest to your body should be a fabric that doesn’t retain sweat but pushes it away. Wear gloves and a toque to prevent frostbite.
Know when to let it be If the weather dips below -40 C or -25 C if it’s especially windy, wait.
Pick the right shovel A lightweight shovel with an appropriately sized blade is important. The larger the blade, the more snow it’ll hold but the heavier it will be to lift. Make sure your shovel has a long enough grip that you don’t need to stoop to dig out the snow.
Take your time Go slowly and methodically. Shove the snow rather than lift it wherever possible. If you have to throw it, do so in front of you in a linear motion. Don’t twist at the waist. Take breaks.
Pay attention to the type of snow Lift less at a time if it’s heavier and wet.
How to safely remove snow from a roof
If snowdrifts form on your roof, the weight can cause damage. Clear the snow before it becomes too heavy. Here are some tips:
Use a roof rake: This is a long-handled tool that allows you to remove snow from the ground, reducing the risk of falling. Gently scrape snow off the roof from the edge, working in sections.
Work in small batches: Remove heavy snow first. Avoid creating a pile of snow on the roof and pulling it all down at once.
Don't use a ladder: Ice can build up on the rungs of the ladder and soles of your boots. Stay on the ground.
Direct snow to your driveway: This is so it can be shovelled away from your home. Piling snow around your foundation can lead to leaks when it melts.
Use a de-icing product: Another option is to use a commercial-grade de-icing spray or heated de-icing cables to help melt the snow.
How insurance can help with snow-related accidents, damage
The liability portion of your home insurance protects you up to a certain amount in case of accidents or damage caused to others. This is especially important when clearing snow from your driveway and roof. It doesn’t cover any expenses a homeowner incurs through injury on the property.
Determining liability in a slip-and-fall case depends on many factors such as whether you shovelled the walk within the time specified by your municipality’s bylaws. Other circumstances, like water flowing from your property and freezing on the sidewalk, can also make you liable.
Comprehensive home insurance can protect you financially in the event of a snow-related incident, including damage caused by snowfall, ice build-up or water. Speak with your broker to understand the details of your policy.