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Snow shoveling can literally be a "pain in the back" for many and a more serious health hazard for some. Investing in a new snow thrower might be the best option for a stress-free snowy winter.

Snow throwers have proven their winter worth well over the years, but don't make a purchase based on the looks of the unit alone. You should know the differences in features and models so you can make an informed decision. Here's some knowledge to have when you're making a snow thrower purchase:

Two- or Four-Cycle

Two-cycle engines require that you mix the gas and oil together (usually between a 30:1 and a 50:1 ratio, but you'll want to verify against the owner's manual to be certain). On the other hand, four-cycle engines have separate tanks for gas and oil. Both use a specific type of engine oil - 4-cycle models use SAE 30 and 2-cycles use a specific 2-cycle oil made for mixing.

Single- or Two-Stage

Single-stage units clear the snow in one single action, drawing it up-and-out from the auger to the shoot. Two-stage throwers move snow first to the back of the unit, then out the shoot, making them a better choice for heavy, wet snow. Two-stage throwers can cut through more snow and ice than single-stage models. They'll usually reduce the number of passes you have to make over a single area, so it's a good investment choice.

Horsepower (HP)

You don't need a snow thrower with more torque than the family minivan. For ample sized driveways, a five- or six-horsepower model will work wonders, and for smaller jobs, consider a three- or four-horsepower model.

Manual or Electric Start

Snow throwers with manual starts have to be set in "choke" mode and primed by pushing the small bulb on the side of the motor. This brings in the necessary fuel to start up the thrower. Electric start snow throwers involve no rope pulling - merely set the mower to choke, plug it into any available wall outlet and press the ignition button - making them much more convenient, especially when it's super cold outside. The quicker they start, the quicker you can get down to business and get back inside the house.

Clearing a Path

For most residential gas-powered snow throwers, the range to clear the snow is anywhere from 20 inches to about 33 inches. In contrast, electric models have clearing paths as small as 12 inches, designed specifically for walkways. If you're looking for a good all-around thrower, choose one with a clearing path anywhere from 20 to 24 inches.

Credit: Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

A snow shovel may be an obvious winter weather tool, but to get the most from yours, make sure you pick the right kind.

For areas with lighter snow, two to three inches at a time, a pusher will suffice. Pushers are shovels designed to handle two to three inches of snow at a time by placing the shovel to the ground and pushing it off to the side of your driveway. This makes them perfect for areas with lighter snow, or those who don't mind taking their time with heavier snowfalls. These are often made of plastic, making them light and easy to wield.

But for those individuals in areas with heavy snowfall who want to get the job done fast, a scoop shovel is the tool for the job. These shovels are designed for lifting and throwing larger amounts of snow into a pile. Due to the heavier loads they carry, they are most often made of steel, making them heavier and more durable.

Pusher/scoop combo shovels also exist. If you need a durable scoop and a lighter shovel, look for shovels made with aluminum. We recommend keeping a shovel in your car in case you need to dig yourself out. Smaller, compact designs and fold-up shovels exist for easy portability. Ergonomic designs also exist.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

If you're one of those people who live in a colder climate, hearing the word "snow" can be downright chilling. It wouldn't be so bad if we didn't have to shovel it, but it would seem that we have no choice. To make matters worse, the risk of injury is significantly greater after a good snowfall, so you have to act fast to keep friends and loved ones safe when visiting for the holidays.

As with many things, common sense and a little elbow grease tend to work best when controlling your winter wonderland. Snow removal is a cinch if you follow these simple guidelines:

Driveways and Sidewalks

• As soon as snow and freezing rain begin to fall, spread a melting agent on the driveway and regularly traveled walkways to help slow the freezing process.
• Grab a shovel and get outside as soon as you can, and don't wait for the sun to melt the snow naturally - a sudden drop in temperature can solidify snowfall quickly. Clear more than just a single-shovel path on the walkways, which will make walking safer.
• If you are unable to remove a patch of ice, crack it with an ice chisel or heavy-duty scraping tool to expose the surface to the air. This will help accelerate the melting process.

Essential Tools of the Trade

• Melting Agents: Also referred to as de-icers, these are specific chemical compounds of salt and heat-generating solids packaged in bags ranging from 10 lbs. to 50, and even 80 lbs. Spread the granules liberally on the driveway and walkway, but be sure to wear gloves, as melting agents can sometimes cause mild skin irritation.
• Snow Shovels: Today's newer models are made stronger yet lighter to allow you to move snow easier than before. Choose one with an ergonomically correct handle to prevent straining your back.
• Snow Pushers: Good for moving heavy, wet snow, these tools do what their name implies: They assist you in pushing large volumes of snow from one end of the driveway to the other. As an extra-added bonus, operating the pushers requires you to stand up straight instead of bending over, saving you a trip to the chiropractor this holiday season.
• Snow Throwers: Although more expensive upfront than purchasing a shovel, investment in a good snow thrower is ten-fold. "A good snow thrower will allow you to clear snow in a fraction of the time," says Manfredini.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

These steps can get your snow blower ready before the first flakes fall.

• Fill the tank with stabilized winter-grade fuel and start the engine to make sure it's running well. If you left gas in it last year and didn't add a fuel stabilizer, it may not work well and may have gummed up your carburetor. If so, you may need to drain it and add fresh fuel. Many blowers have a drain valve, but please refer to your owners manual for specific instructions.
• Change the oil if you didn't do so at the end of last winter; make sure you check the owner's manual for the correct grade and viscosity. On most models, the drain plug is on the back of the unit and comes off easily with a socket or wrench. Place a drain pan under the plug, open it up and let the old oil drain. You may need to tilt the machine towards the end to make sure all the old oil drains. Reinstall the plug and use a funnel to add new oil through the dipstick/fill hole. As you fill, insert the dipstick to check the level and add until you reach the 'full' mark. Don't overfill because that can do almost as much damage as under filling.
• Check other parts of the machine, including the spark plug (clean or replace if necessary), tires (add air if necessary), belts (inspect for wear and replace if necessary) and all moving parts (lubricate them and make sure they're properly adjusted). Be sure and check your shear pins and auger. You want to make sure all the pins are in place and that there is no damage or rust.
• Spray the discharge chute with silicone spray to prevent snow from clogging it later.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Concrete mix has gravel in it, which makes it stronger and more durable. Sand mix is used mainly for patching or where you want a particularly smooth finish.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Once winter has passed, "for sale" signs start popping up on lawns across America. And if you're one of the many people planning to put your home on the market this year, there's probably some home improvement work to do to fetch top dollar on the deal.

Luckily, you don't need to spend lots of money to get your home ready to sell. There are plenty of inexpensive projects you can tackle to make your home more appealing to the buyer and get that ‘sold' sign in your front yard.

Identify Your Home's Flaws

Although disclosure laws can vary from state to state, sellers are obligated to disclose property and structural flaws when selling a home. Even if it's an honest mistake, failure to mention a basement that floods or a leaky roof could leave you in the hot seat well after the deal is closed.

While you probably don't want to remodel your entire basement or kitchen before you sell, you should make some minor improvements to your home. Fixing small appliances like the dishwasher might cost you money upfront, but you'll probably recoup that cost when you sell.

Get Your Home in Showcase Condition

Have you ever walked into a space and been immediately overwhelmed by clutter and disorganization? As a seller, you rarely have a second chance to make a first impression.

Spending a week or two cleaning and organizing your home will give your house a more spacious appearance. Minimize clutter by clearing counters, organizing closets and concealing items in stackable crates and baskets. And what about the garage? Remember, storage is key. Make sure it's organized, clean and can fit cars too.

In the bathroom, replace caulking in bathtubs and showers. Modernize your kitchen by replacing a cracked linoleum floor, old counter tops and cabinetry.

Be sure all appliances are working properly. Clean and inspect your furnace and water heater. Make repairs to correct leaky faucets, squeaky doors, broken light switches, burned-out light bulbs, loose doorknobs, torn screens and broken windows.

Minimal Cost - Measurable Results

Painting is one of the best yet relatively inexpensive ways to improve your home. Not only can a new paint job improve a room's appearance, but a fresh coat of paint can give a home a fresh ambiance and modernize outdated décor.

As the selling season approaches, the need for neutral décor is also important. A house with beige walls and neutral tiling or carpeting is a faster sell. The neutral colors give potential homeowners a clean slate to make the property their own.

Curb Appeal is also Key

If the home doesn't pique curiosity from the curb, you'll never get the buyer to step foot inside.

A good place to start is with your yard. A freshly cut lawn, manicured hedge and a beautiful flowering garden should catch the eyes of buyers. Siding and trim should be clean and in good condition, and cracks in the sidewalk or driveway should be patched and treated. You also should repair broken windows, wobbly railings and crooked shutters.

Consider also painting or staining your front door, or even installing a new one, to make the doorway more welcoming. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the exterior of the house can make everything look new again.

If you long to give your home that sought-after "curb appeal," consider starting with your front entrance. Your front entrance is so important when making that "first impression," because it's really the 'face' of your home. So try following these 10 easy improvements to help give your home a facelift.

1. Repair the Walkway:

Patch cracks and replace loose bricks and pavers. Rent a power washer or purchase a chemical treatment to clean up embedded stains in concrete, stone or asphalt.

2. Illuminate the Path:

Lighting helps ensure guests arrive safely and also acts as a theft deterrent. Clean light fixtures and replace burnt-out bulbs with energy-saving CFL bulbs, replace outdated fixtures and add landscape lighting to brighten walkways and shrubbery.

3. Use Foliage and Shrubbery:

Strategically-placed plants can conceal any unattractive aspects of your house or surroundings. Place large pots or hanging baskets around the stoop or porch. Bushes or hedges hide air conditioning units or propane tanks, and flower beds and window boxes will stylize a stark facade.

4. Prune and Mulch:

Prune dead branches, trim back overgrown shrubbery or remove obstructive plantings. Spread mulch or bark around trees, shrubs and flowers for a weed-free, well-kept look.

5. Decorate Your Door:

Restore the luster of your door by polishing the hinges and knobs. Paint or stain the door with a color that stands out, yet complements, the trim and siding. Hang a pretty wreath to finish the look. If your front door is weak or unattractive, invest in a replacement door or storm door for security and energy efficiency.

6. Focus on Windows:

Fix broken windows and torn screens and paint sashes, trim and shutters in a neutral color. Add window treatments and keep the glass crystal clear.

7. Accessorize:

Choose a few lawn and garden ornaments. Match a decorative handle, door knocker or kickplate with shiny new house numbers and a mailbox.

8. Feature Furniture:

Spray a fresh coat of paint on furniture and replace the cushions. Fill an empty spot on the porch or stoop with a quaint bench or porch swing.

9. Keep it Clean:

Sweep the sidewalk and stoop, clear away cobwebs, tighten wobbly railings and repaint posts and supports.

10. The Finishing Touch:

Put out a clean, new welcome mat and make sure the doorbell works because you're sure to attract more visitors now!

By following these 10 simple steps, your front entrance will be beautiful, well-maintained, and most of all, welcoming.

Credit:  Lou Manfredini's Tips From the Tool Box, Ace Hardware

Snow blowers are a way to quickly remove snow from your driveway and sidewalks. There are a wide variety of types and sizes. The key considerations are the size of the space to clear and the depth of the snow.

Most consumers buy a single-stage model, which has a rubber paddle that reaches to the ground. Single-stage snow blowers have one propeller that breaks up the snow, draws it in and discharges it. They work best in dry snow and are lighter, easier to maneuver and less expensive than two-stage snow blowers.

People with driveways that are wider than two cars may want to consider a two-stage model. These can throw snow farther because they have an intake and an impeller that throws the snow. Two-stage snow blowers mean two propellers, which breaks up the tasks it performs. The first propeller draws the snow in, and the second throws it. These snow blowers are larger, self-propelled and can handle up to 24 inches of snow depth, making them great for heavy snow and blizzards. They are fueled with a mixture of oil and gas. Shake it well before using and read the directions for the appropriate combination. Add a stabilizer to keep the oil from deteriorating over time.

However, if you prefer not to make your own fuel mix, four-cycle snow blowers have separate containers for gas and oil. Four-cycles also offer the most power, and can clear 14 to 32 inches of snow depth. While the two-stage snow blower requires you to mix the oil and gas together for the fuel before pouring it in, four-cycles allow you to pour in the oil and gas separately, cutting down on the chance of an inappropriate mix. Snow blowers usually come with a recommendation on what type of oil to use.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Once you have your melting agent selected, you need the right tool to get it on the ground. Uneven distribution can cause areas with too much ice melt, which can lead to puddling and leaks into your yard, so it's best to use a broadcast spreader.

Broadcast spreaders cover a wide area, so you're out in the cold for less time. The ice melt loads into the top and is funneled through a sprayer in the bottom. There's no better way to get a fast, even spread on your driveway.

But for sidewalks and other narrower spaces, we recommend a hand-held spreader, which have a smaller broadcast radius and more direction control.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Making sure the gutters are clear and working properly is important. And a good excuse to pull out some fun toys.

Up (above the gutter)
Ladder placement: on level ground at a 75° angle. That’s about a 4:1 ratio of height vs. distance to the wall. Trust us on this.

In (at gutter level)
Got a light leaf blower? Let ‘er rip. If not, grab your ick-blocking gloves and pick out the big stuff by hand. A bucket up high will make cleanup down below easier.

Down (move gutter wand up and place this copy nearby)
It’s wand time. Hook up your hose and spray away. Which end you begin at depends on how much gunk is in there. A lot? Start at the downspout and move out from there.

Clear
Downspouts clogged? If the wand doesn’t clear it, a plumbing snake will. Pay special attention to the curves. That’s where junk collects.

Guide (near splashblock)
Ok, the water’s flowing again. Keep it going with extensions and splashblocks so it exits 4-6 feet from your house. That’ll keep the foundation dry.

Block (near gutter insert)
Gutter cleaning’s a blast, right? But you might want to do it faster next time. So install inserts or guards in those squeaky-clean gutters. Just be sure to choose for your climate and types of trees.

In frigid winter temperatures, precipitation quickly turns to ice. Keep your sidewalk and driveway safe with ice melt. In addition, ice melt breaks down ice so that you can easily shovel it aside.

You don't need to use a large amount of ice melt to get the job done. In fact, if you layer ice melt too thickly, it will puddle and leak into your yard, with the potential to damage your lawn. Be sure to read the directions for your ice melt before applying it, and use the recommended amount. Wait the designated amount of time, and then come back and push the broken down ice away with a shovel.

There are two kinds of ice melt, classified by their ingredients: sodium chloride, calcium chloride and magnesium chloride. Calcium chloride will melt at lower temperatures, -5 degrees F and lower. Magnesium chloride is a little more expensive, but a much higher quality product, so less of it will be needed to get the job done. And magnesium chloride is all natural, so it is better for your lawn and the environment.

If your concrete is less than two years old, there are ice melt alternatives you can use. Applying a light layer of sand on top of the ice will give you traction control. Another option, if you don't mind some damage to your lawn, is rock salt. Sodium chloride (rock salt) is a good option for temperatures down to about -9 degrees F.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.

Shoveling snow is tedious enough, but when wet snow sticks to your shovel, it makes the job take even longer. Make the job a little easier by coating your snow shovel with cooking spray. After spraying both sides of the shovel liberally, the ice and snow will slide right off the surface.

Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and safety of this information. Neither Westlake nor any contributor can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.