Here on the Colorado Front Range, the topography is anything but flat. As one of the most mountainous regions in the United States, Boulder has many homes and businesses built on hilly slopes. In many cases, this can result in an unusually steep driveway. On steep slopes, snow and ice could cause your car to slide off, presenting potential hazards if you’re trying to drive on it. On foot, it can also put you at risk of slip and fall accidents. Here are your options for managing driveway snow after a winter snow storm when your home is built on a steep slope.
Snowy Winters in Boulder
Boulder gets an average of 88 inches of snowfall each year, most of it between November and March. Many of us remember last winter, when on March 23rd, 2016, a record-setting winter snow storm produced up to 20 inches of snow in some areas. Our first snowfall can occur as early as September, and the last snowfall can come as late as early April.
In our snow-prone climate, snow removal is a matter of serious concern for property owners. Snow and ice on your driveway after a storm can make it very dangerous to drive on it, and you may need to have it removed.
Park at the Bottom of the Driveway During the Winter
During the winter, many Boulder residents start parking toward the bottom of their driveway, rather than pulling all the way up. This can minimize your risk of having your car slide down off of the driveway, slamming into someone’s mailbox or worse, a pedestrian. The downside to this approach is that as you walk down to your car everyday, you could easily slip and fall on the snow and ice. Leaving your car in the street can also present problems in winter weather.
Consider Using Salts or Snow Melt Chemicals
There are a variety of chemicals, many of them salts, that can be used to melt snow and ice during the winter. Many people use these on their driveway, in combination with plowing or shoveling snow away. This can be effective, but the chemicals should be used with some caution. Many of them can be dangerous for plants, wildlife, pets, and even children. It’s also worth keeping in mind that concrete and asphalt can sometimes be damaged by common snow removal chemicals.
Spread Sand or Cat Litter
During the winter, you can spread out some sand or cat litter across your steep driveway. This can give your car some extra traction on hazardous areas, making it easier to drive up and down it safely. However, this approach has its limits, and isn’t always particularly effective for severe weather.
Consider Investing in a Heated Driveway
Today, there are heated driveway systems available that melt snow for you. Like radiant floor heating systems, they use tubing beneath the pavement. The tubing carries heated water and antifreeze, melting away the accumulated snow.
In some cases, the tubing can be installed beneath your existing driveway. These systems can also be installed beneath patios and other paved areas, reducing your need to shovel or plow the snow away.
Call the Pros for Snow Removal
After a winter snow storm, you’ll need ice and snow removal from your driveway. Shoveling snow is many people’s least favorite chore, and if you’re a senior citizen or not in the best shape, you could actually hurt yourself in the process. In many cases, it’s worthwhile to call in a professional snow removal services after heavy snowfall from a winter storm.
At General Services Corporation, we provide professional driveway snow removal services for homeowners and commercial property owners throughout the Boulder area. To find out more, call us any time, or fill out our online contact form.