Introduction
Few things are more frustrating than waking up to find your driveway buried under several inches of snow. After a snowstorm, clearing your driveway quickly and correctly is essential for safety, convenience, and protecting the surface itself. The right techniques and tools will not only make the job easier but also prevent damage to your asphalt, concrete, or paver driveway.
Tired of shoveling for hours only to deal with icy patches later? This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to clear a driveway after a snowstorm while avoiding common mistakes and saving time.
Why Clearing Snow Matters for Your Driveway
Snow might look harmless, but if left uncleared, it can cause multiple issues.
- Safety first: Uncleared snow leads to slippery ice, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
- Prevents damage: Snowmelt can seep into cracks and refreeze, causing expansion and larger cracks.
- Maintains access: A clear driveway ensures you can leave for work, school, or emergencies.
- Preserves driveway life: Removing snow the right way protects your surface from shoveling or plowing damage.
Just like sealing your driveway protects it from heavy rain or sun, snow removal is a key part of winter driveway care.
Step-by-Step Guide to Clearing a Driveway After a Snowstorm
1. Prepare Before the Snowstorm Hits
The best snow removal strategy begins before the storm.
- Apply a layer of salt or eco-friendly ice melt to prevent snow from bonding to the surface.
- Mark the edges of your driveway with stakes so you can see boundaries when shoveling or plowing.
- Keep shovels, snow blowers, and ice melt stored in an accessible spot.
Pro Tip: Use a magnesium chloride ice melt instead of rock salt—it’s gentler on concrete and landscaping.
2. Assess the Snow Depth and Type
After the storm passes, look at your driveway conditions.
- Light, powdery snow: Easy to shovel or use a leaf blower.
- Heavy, wet snow: Best removed with a snow blower or ergonomic shovel.
- Icy conditions: Treat with ice melt before shoveling to loosen buildup.
Understanding what you’re dealing with saves time and prevents overexertion.
3. Start Snow Removal Early
Don’t wait until the snow compacts or turns to ice.
- Begin clearing while the snow is still fresh and fluffy.
- Remove in layers if the snowfall is more than 6 inches.
- Avoid driving over the snow, as tire tracks compact it into ice.
Safety Tip: Take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion, especially during heavy snowfall.
4. Shoveling Techniques
If you’re using a shovel, proper technique is essential to protect both your driveway and your back.
- Use a plastic or rubber-blade shovel to prevent scratching the surface.
- Push snow instead of lifting when possible.
- If lifting, bend your knees and lift with your legs—not your back.
- Shovel snow to the sides, not onto the street where plows can push it back.
Pro Tip: Clear a path down the middle first, then work outward in sections.
5. Using a Snow Blower
A snow blower makes clearing large driveways much faster.
- Adjust the chute to throw snow away from the driveway and sidewalks.
- Start in the middle and work in overlapping rows outward.
- For gravel driveways, raise the auger to avoid picking up stones.
Maintenance Note: Keep the machine fueled, oiled, and blades sharp before the winter season.
6. De-Icing the Surface
Even after shoveling, a thin layer of snow or ice often remains.
- Apply a layer of salt, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride.
- For eco-friendly solutions, use sand for traction or beet juice blends to melt ice.
- Spread evenly to avoid concentrated patches that damage the driveway.
Safety Tip: Wear gloves when handling ice melt to avoid skin irritation.
7. Protecting Driveway Edges and Surfaces
Snow removal can accidentally cause surface damage if not done carefully.
- Avoid metal shovels or plow blades that can gouge asphalt and concrete.
- Keep shovels and blower blades slightly raised above the surface.
- Don’t pile snow against the edges, as the weight causes cracking and erosion.
8. Finishing Touches
Once most snow and ice are cleared:
- Sweep or brush remaining slush away before it refreezes overnight.
- Reapply ice melt if temperatures will drop below freezing.
- Store your tools where they can dry to prevent rust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to clear snow: Leads to ice buildup.
Solution: Start as soon as possible after the storm. - Using too much salt: Excess salt damages concrete and plants.
Solution: Use the minimum recommended amount and consider eco-friendly alternatives. - Shoveling incorrectly: Lifting heavy snow with poor form can injure your back.
Solution: Push snow whenever possible and lift properly. - Forgetting drainage paths: Piling snow where it blocks runoff creates flooding during melts.
Solution: Deposit snow away from the driveway’s edges and drains. - Not sealing cracks before winter: Snowmelt seeps in, freezes, and widens cracks.
Solution: Seal cracks in fall to prevent freeze-thaw damage.
Extra Driveway Tips & Hacks
- Warm water trick: Pour warm (not hot) water mixed with dish soap on stubborn ice patches for quick melting.
- Driveway mats: Heated mats can be placed in high-traffic areas for automatic snow melting.
- Preventative sealing: Apply a sealant in warmer months to reduce winter water absorption.
Want more winter help? Check out our guide on how to de-ice a driveway using eco-friendly methods for additional tips.
Conclusion
Clearing your driveway after a snowstorm doesn’t have to be backbreaking or damaging. With the right preparation, tools, and techniques, you can keep your driveway clear, safe, and protected all winter long. By removing snow quickly, applying de-icers wisely, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll extend the life of your driveway while saving yourself time and effort.
Take care of your driveway this winter—it will reward you with years of durability and curb appeal. Bookmark this guide and make it part of your winter maintenance routine.