Is It Dumb to Shovel Around Your Home While It’s Still Snowing?

Snow can be a stumbling block if not shoveled at the right time.

Shoveling snow from your home is one of the best ways to jump-start your productivity during winter months.

When you think of shoveling snow while it is snowing, you can run into a dilemma.

And that begs the question: Is It Dumb to Shovel Around Your Home While It’s Still Snowing?

Answer: It is not dumb to shovel around your home while it is still snowing. It can be helpful. Shoveling while it is still snowing can help to prevent snow from building up and making it more difficult to shovel later on.

Three Reasons Why It Is A Good Idea To Shovel Snow While It Is Still Snowing

Many people think it is dumb to shovel around their homes while it is still snowing, but there are a few good reasons why you should do this.

1. To Prevent Intense Accumulation of Snow

If you wait until the snow has stopped falling, you will likely have a much more significant amount of snow to shovel.

Shoveling while it is snowing can significantly help you deal with snow in small quantities.

2. You Help Keep Snow Away From Key Areas Near the Home

If you shovel while it is still snowing, you can prevent the snow from accumulating in certain areas, making it more difficult to shovel later. These include critical areas near the basements.

3. Overall, It Involves Less Work

Finally, shoveling while still snowing can be less work in the long run because you won’t have to deal with as much compacted snow.

Are There Any Dangers Of Shoveling During A Snowfall?

Here are three potential dangers of shoveling snow while it is snowing:

1. You Might Shovel Snow into A Power Line

If you are shoveling around your home, you may inadvertently shovel snow onto power lines or other hazards.

Needless to mention is that electricity can be lethal if tampered with. You must be careful when shoveling in areas with an electric cable.

2. You Might Stumble On a Pothole and Obstacles

If you are shoveling in public areas, you may need help to see potential hazards like potholes or other obstacles. Driveways are especially laden with snow during cold months.

If there were some holes on it or along the sideways, you risk falling into them.

3. You Could Accidentally Hurt Yourself

Snow shoveling has never been a walk in the park.

It demands a lot of physical energy and attention.

You can quickly wear down when you do it for long, especially when it is snowing and you must do it repeatedly.

Three Tips For Shoveling Around Your Home While It Is Still Snowing

It may seem counterintuitive, but shoveling around your home while it is still snowing can help prevent further damage to your property.

Here are three tips to keep in mind:

1. Shovel Away from Your Home

This will help to create a barrier that will prevent the snow from getting close to your foundation and causing water damage.

Snow melt concentrates a lot of water near the home’s very foundations.

This can be disastrous to your structures as it threatens the foundations.

2. Use A Plastic Shovel

Metal shovels can damage your gutters and siding.

A plastic shovel will be gentler on these surfaces.

Besides, plastic shovels are light compared to their metal counterparts.

You are going to be shoveling for a lot of time. A plastic shovel could result in less wear and tear.

3. Be Careful of Icicles

Icicles form due to intensely cold conditions. They develop from the snow that undergoes freezing.

Icicles are not uncommon during winter when temperatures plunge below zero degrees Celsius.

They can be very dangerous, so shovel them away from your home and walkways. Your driveways should equally be rid of any icicles.

The Pros And Cons Of Shoveling While It Is Still Snowing

There are pros and cons to shoveling while it is still snowing.

On the plus side, you can avoid dangerous ice buildup on your walkway or driveway. 

Shoveling while still snowing can also give you a head start on clearing the snow before it gets too deep.

On the downside, shoveling while it is still snowing can be exhausting.

If you have a large area to clear, you may only be able to finish after the snow stops.

Also, the snow may be too heavy to shovel if it still comes down heavily. If you decide to shovel while it is still snowing, take breaks often and dress warmly.

Why do Some People Believe IT IS DUMB To Shovel While It Is Still Snowing?

1. You Might Have to Do It Again

Plenty of people feel like they are just going to end up having to do it again if more snow falls.

This is especially the case during a heavy snowstorm.

2. Some Believe That It Might Be a Dangerous Thing to Do

Some people believe that shoveling while still snowing is dangerous because you can’t see where you are shoveling and might end up hurting yourself.

3. This Could Ultimately Be A Waste Of Time

Lastly, some people think it is a waste of time to shovel while it is still snowing because the snow will end up getting replaced by more snow.

After all, snow shoveling has always been a challenging task. You have to prepare well. Be it getting the right tools, dressing for it, and doing the job at the right time.

The Bottom Line

Some people believe that it is dumb to shovel around your home while it is still snowing because you will have to do it again after the snowfall stops.

However, others believe it is better to shovel while it is still snowing so that the snow does not have a chance to accumulate and become too heavy to shovel.

Ultimately the decision is yours.

Sources