DIY guideSnow and ice

Get ready for snow and ice

Have the gear by the door, treat the steps before freezing rain, shovel soon after the snow, and keep the vents, the deck and the downspouts clear.

7 steps

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Before the first snow, keep a shovel and ice melt or sand where you can reach them from the door.
When freezing rain is coming, spread ice melt on the steps and the walk first, so the ice can't bond to them.
Shovel soon after it stops, while it's light. Push the snow instead of lifting it.
Take breaks: shovelling is hard on the heart. Stop if you feel chest pain or short of breath.
Clear snow away from the furnace's outside vent pipes and around the meters on the wall.
Push heavy snow off the deck with a plastic shovel, along the boards, so it doesn't pile up.
Keep the downspouts' ends clear of snow, so melt water can get away from the house.
Cracking sounds, doors that suddenly stick, or a sagging roof line under heavy snow: get everyone out of that part of the house and ask Handyman for a roofer.

Handyman says: Roof sagging? I'll find a roofer.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.