Snow cleaning
Wait until there is adequate snow to cover the ground, and until temperatures are below 25 degrees. Then, when there is a nice fresh snowfall of dry powdery snow, roll up the rugs and put them outdoors overnight to "equalize" their temperature. Putting a room temperature rug onto snow would cause melting, followed by refreezing, causing ice to stick to the pile. Once the rugs are "cold" roll them out face up, just like in the house. Shovel some snow over them and let it sit for a while. Then take a nice clean bristle broom and sweep the snow off, horizontal to lay of the pile. Clean off dirty places with a damp cloth. The tough part is yet to come: use a stiff bristle brush to brush all the snow off the top and bottom of the rug as you roll it tightly. Brush and roll, until the piece is rolled up. Then carry it to the porch for a final brush and take it in the house. The rugs are rarely even damp after this procedure and they really love it! Room sized rugs will likely require two people for the "brush, roll and carry" procedure. It is very very effective in removing all lint, hair, and surface dust but this method is not recommended for a very dirty rug.
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[edit] Tips for Snow Removal From a Roof
While most people focus on the hassle of having to dig out their cars or shovel their front walkway after a snowstorm, clearing your roof of snow is just as important. Snow can become extremely heavy and may eventually cause your roof to leak. In extreme cases, it may even cause your roof to collapse. However, clearing the snow from your roof can also be dangerous, so employ some basic tips before removing any snow.
[edit] Look for Signs of a Collapsing Roof
Before removing any snow, inspect your roof for signs of a possible collapse to protect yourself. The most obvious sign of an impending collapse is a sag in the roof. Inside the house, you may observe cracks in the wall and large leaks as well. Doors may pop open and ceiling-mounted sprinkler heads may push through ceiling tiles. If you suspect that your roof is in danger of collapse, calling professionals to remove the snow may be safer. Many tree removal companies also perform roof snow removal, so ask around for recommendations.
[edit] Remember Protective Gear
While removing snow from your roof, you may be hit by falling snow, ice or other debris. To avoid injury, always wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and a hard hat. Heavy leather work gloves are a good idea as well.
[edit] Knock Away Icicles
If there are large icicles hanging from the roof above your door or front path, remove them before you clear any snow from the roof. The safest way to remove icicles is to use a broom or other long-handled tool and knock them away through a window. You have less risk of getting hit with falling ice if you use this method.
[edit] Ask for Help
While you may be tempted to clear the snow from your roof by yourself, asking a friend or family member to help is better. You can work more quickly, and, if an accident occurs, there will be someone nearby to get help.
[edit] Use the Right Tools
When removing snow from a roof, using the right tools is crucial. Snow rakes are the most effective tools for this job, particularly if your home has a pitched roof. Plastic shovels can work as well, but do not use one with a curved blade. This type of shovel may cause roof damage. Whatever type of tool you use, see that it is not made of metal. Metal tools can be extremely dangerous for roof snow removal if they strike a power line because they conduct electricity and may cause shocks. Metal tools are often tougher on the roof as well, so you may cause unnecessary damage.
[edit] Do Not Try to Clear the Entire Roof
You may be tempted to try to clear your entire roof of snow, but scraping it clean may actually cause serious damage to your roof covering. Instead, aim to trim the layer of snow until it is approximately 2 to 3 inches high.
[edit] Snow Blowers
- Everyone knows about snow shovels, of course, but an alternative worth considering if you live in a heavy snow area is a snow blower. There are three basic types, with differing uses and capacities.
- Single-stage snow blowers are good for most urban and suburban uses. They are lightweight and maneuverable; have a rubber edge auger that gets very close to the pavement; handle wet, heavy snow very well. But they will not handle the hard, icy accumulation left behind at the end of your driveway by the snowplow, and are not suitable for gravel.
- A two-stage snow blower is good for larger driveways or drifting snow. It has an auger that breaks up the snow and an impeller that throws it. Its skids adjust the height and therefore are good for gravel. Most are self-propelled.
[edit] Chemicals
- Often, removing the snow is just the first step in the process of making your driveways and walkways snow and ice-free. Dealing with the ice left behind is the next challenge. Ice does not just freeze on the pavement, it freezes to the pavement. Breaking that bond, or keeping it from forming in the first place, is the task of chemical de-icers or anti-icers.
- A de-icer is a chemical agent that is spread on snow or ice. It does not melt all the snow; it seeps through to the surface of the pavement and melts the ice there, breaking the bond and making it easier to remove the snow.
- An anti-icer is a chemical agent that is applied before the snowfall begins. It prevents the bonding, thereby facilitating the removal of snow down to the surface of the pavement.
- There are many chemicals and chemical blends available to use as de-icers and anti-icers. While the chemistry is simple, the choice of which to use is not. Many factors must be considered and much of the information is confusing or even conflicting.
- For many years, the most common de-icer has been rock salt. The indirect damage and environmental concerns were offset by its cost-effectiveness. Today, more environmentally friendly and considerably more effective chemicals are available.
- Any de-icing chemical has the potential to harm the environment if misused. Some will chemically attack concrete. All must be used strictly according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Over application of any can damage vegetation; even those products claiming to be made from fertilizing ingredients can cause harm.
- If you apply the chemicals as precipitation begins, their effectiveness is increased and the amount needed is diminished.
[edit] New Technologies
- If snow falls on a warm surface, it melts. Problem solved. So the question is, how do you warm the surface? There are three basic choices electric, hydronic and infrared.
- Electric snow-melting systems use buried cables to heat surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways. They must be laid before concrete is poured and could require upgrading the electric service panel but can conform to any shape. Lower installation and maintenance costs may be offset by higher operating costs.
- Electric heat-conducting rubber mats are a less expensive method and need no modification to melt snow. These easy- to-install rubber mats provide many years of use.
- Hydronic systems use flexible pipes buried under concrete to circulate heated fluid that warms the surface. They too must be laid before concrete is poured. It is possible to tie them into your existing heating system so that higher installation and maintenance costs could be offset by lower operating costs.
- Infrared systems use quartz lamps on poles targeted to warm up desired surfaces. These systems are good for spot applications or remote walkways and require little time for warm-up. They are more easily installed and good for retrofitting, but they consume more energy making them more expensive per square foot to operate when compared to the other systems.
