We don’t get snow as often in DFW as some of our friends further North, so we may not be as prepared to deal with snow and ice.
With ice, one of the best things you can do is have rock salt on hand. Sprinkling liberally on walkways before the storm even starts can help keep them from getting slick. If they’ve already iced over, it can help break up and melt that ice so that it’s easier to walk. In a pinch, if you have no rock salt you can try some table salt – but it takes a large quantity to make a real difference, so it’s usually only helpful in a small spot.
One of the best tips for snow is to actually shovel while it’s snowing. Otherwise if you wait until the storm passes, you’ll have accumulated a lot more and therefore your task will be harder since there will be a lot more that you have to clear at one time. Starting early means you can do it in small increments.
Shoveling the driveway? Don’t shovel from to garage to the street. You’ll end up with a lot of snow at the street which will be heavier and you’ll definitely have to move it to use your vehicle. Start in the center of your driveway and shovel to each side. This will usually be shorter stretches at any one time, making the snow load lighter and can help prevent injuries.
Those injuries are fairly common when snow shoveling as well, mainly because it’s an activity that we don’t perform very often so we’re using muscles and moving in ways that aren’t normal for us. One of the best things you can do to help prevent these injuries is to use proper form. Keep the shovel close to your body so that you’re not overextending.
Use cooking spray. This really works! Before beginning your shovel workout, spray both sides of the snow shovel blade with your favorite cooking spray to help keep the snow from sticking to the shovel. It will make your job easier.
Prevent damage to your floors. Tracked-in water from walking around in the snow can damage hardwood floors and make carpet look faded and dingy. One time may not make a lasting difference, but over time it can. Be sure to set up a mud room or mud area by your door where everyone can take off their snow-incrusted boots or shoes before entering the house.
As the snow melts, you’ll want to check for any snow-related problems.
Ice dams can form when water pools along your roof and in your gutters and then freezes. These ice dams can significantly damage your gutters, tear at your shingles, and melt into your house. Ice dams are caused by uneven heating on your roof.
One of the biggest threats to your home is when the snow starts to melt. Water can seep into cracks and leak into your home. Small cracks that you might not have noticed can grow over winter, causing the water to flood your space and create unexpected house damage from snow.
For commercial property inspections in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, including a thorough and informative home inspection report, learn more at
or request a quote for a commercial inspection at
682-351-2267