Snow removal
Clearing the driveway and the roof edge after heavy snow, safely, or hiring a contract to do it.
How to keep on top of heavy snow
Heavy snow needs clearing in two places: the driveway, with the packed ridge the plough leaves at its end (our snow blower guide), and the lower edge of the roof, where meltwater refreezes into ice dams (NDSU Extension).
Size the blower for the plough ridge
The heavy, wet ridge the plough leaves at the end of the driveway decides whether you need a two-stage blower. Toro limits its single-stage 721 E to paved surfaces.
Rake the roof edge from the ground
Clear the lowest few feet above the eaves, pull the snow towards you and stand clear of where it falls.
Hire a contract for the rest
A snow removal firm can clear the driveway all season, and roofers clear snow and ice from roofs. Put it in a written contract, and ask about liability insurance before anyone works on your roof (Office of Consumer Affairs).
Safety: Keep a roof rake’s pole and yourself well clear of every power line, including the wires to the house. Never reach into a snow blower’s auger or chute: stop the engine and clear it with the tool, as the US CPSC advises.
What helps
A two-stage blower for deep, wet snow and the plough ridge, and a roof rake for the eaves.
Snow blowers
Toro Power Max 826 OAE 26″ Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
26 in two-stage with a 20 in intake for heavy snow and plow ridges
EGO POWER+ 24″ Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower with Peak Power
Battery two-stage with a 20 in intake, 50 ft throw and self-propel
Roof rakes
Snow Joe Roofer Joe 21 ft Telescoping Roof Rake, Poly Blade
4.8 lb rake that reaches about 27 ft overhead from the ground
US retailers$58.47–$105.99at Target · prices may have changedPrice checked . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Target at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Check price at Target (opens in a new tab)$58.47–$105.99at Target · prices may have changedPrice checked . Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Target at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Check price at Target (opens in a new tab)
Find a snow clearance firm
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Our guide
Comparison
Single-stage vs two-stage snow blowers
Toro's single-stage and two-stage gas blowers compared on wet snow, the plow ridge, gravel, storage and upkeep.
Questions about snow removal
Can a single-stage snow blower clear gravel?
Not the one we compare: Toro limits the 721 E to paved surfaces, because its auger runs close to the ground. The two-stage 826 OAE works on gravel or pavement, since its auger housing rides on adjustable skids. Our single vs two-stage guide has the details.
How do I clear a clogged snow blower?
Stop the engine first and use a clearing stick or the tool supplied, never your hands. The US CPSC found that most snow thrower injuries in its emergency-room data happened when people reached into the auger or chute thinking it had stopped.
Where should I refuel a gas snow blower?
Outdoors, with the engine off and cool. The CPSC says never add fuel to a running or hot engine, and to keep gas cans capped and stored outside the house. Never run the engine in a closed garage.
What should a snow removal contract cover?
The work, price, deposit, start and finish dates, warranty, permits and clean-up, in writing; paying cash to skip the contract leaves you no recourse. Get written quotes from at least three firms and check references (Office of Consumer Affairs).
Comes with
Snowstorms
Clearing heavy snow from the drive and the roof, and stopping ice dams.