Average Cost to Remove Snow from Driveway & Great Alternative

It’s no secret that winter can be a pain. Not only do you have to bundle up and face the cold, but you also have to deal with the snow. If you’re like most people, you probably don’t enjoy shoveling snow. In fact, it can be a hassle – especially if your driveway is particularly large.

Fortunately, there are a few solutions that can help reduce the cost of removing snow from your driveway. One option is to hire a professional snow removal service. Another option is to purchase a Snow Blower. And finally, the best solution to keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow is to install a radiant heat system. Which option is best for you? Keep reading to find out more.

The Importance of Keeping Driveways and Walkways Clear of Snow, and Quickly

Your driveway and sidewalks are used daily, and winter weather can prevent safe travel, as well as physically damage the structure.
Injury Prevention

One of the best ways to reduce injuries around your home is to keep your sidewalks and driveway free of snow and ice. Many people think they can wait for the sun to melt the snow, but that can actually worsen the problem. As the snow melts, it turns to water, which then refreezes when the temperature drops at night. This creates a layer of ice that can be very slippery and dangerous. The best way to avoid this is to clear your sidewalks and driveway as soon as the snowfall stops.

Driveway and Walkway Care

Removing snow and ice quickly is important for driveway and walkway care. If you wait too long, the weight of the snow and ice can damage your driveway or walkway. Quick removal also helps prevent the formation of ice dams, which can cause water to back up and flood your home.

How Rates Are Decided

Paying for snow and ice removal can be costly, and will vary by region. The rates listed below are averages to help you decide how to schedule a snow removal for your property. HomeAdvisor lists the following costs associated with each event.

By the Hour

The average price for having someone shovel your snow is between $25 and $75 per hour. If you want a plower, however, be prepared to shell out $180 an hour, with most companies billing in 15-minute increments.

Prices naturally differ depending on the location of your home and how rural or urban the area is. However, you can typically expect to pay less if you live near other houses, rather than more remote locations.

By the Event

You can purchase a big snowstorm event package for $30 to $75. If your area only experiences a few snowstorms per year, this may be cheaper in the long run than other choices.

By the Visit

You can choose to pay per visit for snow removal, which is a good option if you only want it occasionally. The price depends on where you live and how much snowfall your area gets, but it averages $30-$50 per visit. If you have a long driveway, the price could be closer to $100 per visit. If you need roof snow removal, that’s an additional cost of $250-$500 per visit.

By the Inch

The first 6 inches of snowfall costs between $60 and $95 for the snow removal company. For each extra 6 inches of snow, you’ll need to pay an additional $30.

By the Season

Seasonal contracts for snow removal typically cost between $350 and $450. If you live in an area with a high amount of snowfall, this can be the most budget-friendly option. The final price depends on the services you choose.

Each contract will list the conditions which will trigger the service. Depending on your location, it could be as little as 1.5 to 2 inches of accumulation or as much as 4 to 6 inches. The company should also let you know when they remove the snow, whether it’s within a certain number of hours or by the end of the day.

In general, driveway-only contracts for a two car deep and wide driveway start at $280. If your home has walkways, in addition to the 2-3 car wide and deep driveway, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600-$750. And finally, if your home is on a corner lot with long sidewalks lining the property perimeter, be prepared to spend $1,100-$1,400.

How Driveways and Walkways Have Snow Removed

Historically, snow has been removed with a shovel. As technology improved, we came up with back-saving devices to make the job easier.

Snow Shoveling

For many people, shoveling snow is a necessary evil. It’s a cold, backbreaking chore that has to be done every time it snows. But what are the disadvantages of shoveling snow by hand?

First of all, it’s labor-intensive. Shoveling even a small driveway can take a lot of time and effort.
Second, it can be dangerous. If you’re not careful, you can easily injure your back or throw out your shoulder.
Third, it’s not always effective. If the snow is wet and heavy, it can be nearly impossible to shovel without help. Finally, it’s just plain unpleasant.

Snow Blowing

Snow blowers come in various sizes and styles, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. If you have a small yard, a single-stage snow blower may be all you need. For heavier snowfall, you’ll want a two-stage snow blower. These models have a larger auger that can handle larger volumes of snow. If you live in an area with a lot of heavy, wet snow, you may want to consider a three-stage model.

Snow Plowing

For many people, snow plowing is a necessary evil. It’s an expensive and time-consuming proposition, and it can be difficult to find someone who is both reliable and affordable. However, there are some advantages to snow plowing that may make it worth your while. It can save you a lot of time and effort, get the job done in a fraction of the time compared to shoveling.

Interested in a DIY Solution? Solve Snow Removal with Radiant Floor Heating

The best way to keep snow from accumulating on your driveway is to melt it as it lands. Electric radiant heat is a perfect solution, as it can be installed during the initial construction process or added during a remodel. Most DIYers can complete the project, with the exception of the final connection to the power source.

How Radiant Floor Heating Works

Electric radiant heating systems for driveways and sidewalks work on the same principles as flooring systems. Electric heat cables or heat mats run under the surface of the driveway. They are connected to sensing devices that measure moisture, temperature, and precipitation, to activate the system and keep the temperature just above freezing. Some controller options connect to the local weather station via WiFi and can preheat based on the forecast, staying ahead of the cold and snow. Electric radiant heat is the smart and efficient way to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

Radiant Heating Snow Removal Costs

The cost to run radiant heating for snow removal is surprisingly low as the system is very efficient! For a stoop and walkway that totals 290 square feet, it costs around $1.99 per hour.

Considering that snow removal systems only need to work for short periods of time during and/or after it snows, a full winter might cost less than $100 dollars. Compare this with the price and time involved with traditional snow removal and the advantages are crystal clear.

Keep Driveways and Walkways Free of Snow Without Hassle with Warmup

Residential or commercial driveways and sidewalks can be heated to prepare for extreme weather conditions. If you have a steep area or heavy foot traffic, consider installing a Warmup system. Our snow melting mats and cables are easy to install under pavers, asphalt, or concrete during driveway installation. This will ensure your surface is always free of snow and ice.