Why these paths get forgotten
Side and back paths are out of sight, so they are often left until the snow has been packed down by a few days of footsteps. Packed snow turns to ice quickly in the shade along the side of a house.
Garage side doors
A garage side door is often the door people use most in winter. The trouble spot is usually the threshold. Snow and meltwater collect against the bottom of the door, freeze, and either jam it shut or leave a slick patch right where you step out.
- Clear a full door-width square outside the door after every snowfall, not just a footpath.
- Sweep or scrape the threshold so there is no snow sitting against the bottom of the door.
- Look at what is above the door. A roof edge or downspout that drips onto the step will refreeze every night. Our guide why ice forms under downspouts explains how to redirect it.
- If the big overhead door is also freezing to the floor, see garage door frozen shut.
Side gates
A side gate is often the only way to reach the backyard, the gas meter or the air conditioner and heat pump. If snow builds up on both sides of the gate, it will not swing open, and you may find out only when you need it. Clear an arc on both sides so it opens fully, and check the latch after freezing rain.
Gates are also a common spot for snow to be piled, because the space beside the house looks out of the way. If the gas meter or furnace vents are along the same side of the house, keep them clear too; see keeping furnace vents and gas meters clear of snow, and for heat pumps, keeping your heat pump clear.
The path to the shed
If the shed holds the snowblower, the shovels, the salt or the garbage bins, you will need to reach it in the middle of a storm. Decide on one route to the shed before the first big snowfall and keep it open all season, rather than cutting a new path each time.
- Do not pile snow against the shed walls. Heavy, wet snow against a thin wall or door can push it in, and meltwater can soak in at the base.
- Brush heavy snow off a shed roof only if you can reach it safely from the ground with a roof rake. Never climb onto a snowy roof. Our guide on clearing snow from a roof safely has more.
Where to put the snow
On narrow side paths, the easiest move is to throw snow onto the nearest garden bed or against the house, but both can cause trouble. Snow against the foundation melts into the soil beside the basement wall, and snow piled over window wells can block them. Throw it into the open yard, and keep it off basement window wells.
Footing and refreeze
Side paths are often shaded and sloped, and they may be made of patio stones or gravel rather than concrete. For concrete, a little de-icer after clearing stops the thin layer left behind from turning to ice overnight. If pets use the side door to reach the yard, choose a pet-safe product; see ice melt products that are safe for pets.
Including extra paths in your quote
Our seasonal plans cover the driveway, with walkway and steps available as an add-on. If you would like a side path or another door included, mention it when you request your quote so it can be measured and priced along with the rest of the property.
How a seasonal plan helps
Keeping the side paths clear is much easier when the driveway is already taken care of. A seasonal snow removal plan clears your driveway automatically from December 1 to March 31 whenever 5 cm or more falls. In long storms we come back for return visits, the City windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared, and you get a timestamped photo after every visit.
Prices (all plus HST):
- Single or 1.5-car driveway: $650 to $725 for the season
- Double driveway: $815
- 3-car, paver or stamped driveway: $1,050
- Walkway and steps: from $150, or $175 for a walk plus up to 6 steps; sidewalk $90
- Seasonal salt, including freezing rain and refreeze visits: $175
- Pet-safe de-icer: $120
- Priority early-morning clearing: $125
- Season extension from November 1 to April 15: add $95
Prefer to pay only when you need it? Per-visit snow removal is $70 to $85 a visit. Seasonal plans take a 30% deposit with the balance before December 1, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. We carry $2,000,000 in liability insurance, are registered with WSIB and are LPMA members.
Get a quote
Every quote is measured from City of London maps, and residential quotes come back within 1 business day. Ask for a free quote or call or text (548) 639-2069.
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Seasonal snow removal from $650 + HST. Automatic at 5 cm, photo after every visit.
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