Do I need to clear snow from the pavement?
Q:I have a slightly unusual case. There is a pavement running along my property, but it leads "nowhere". My house is the last one on this street. In December, the municipal police gave me a ticket for not removing snow from the pavement. I am appalled by this. In addition to home paths, do I really need to clear a place that is practically unused?
O:I will worry you, but the legislator obliged the owner of a given property to properly maintain it - both in winter and summer. So, as the owner, you have a responsibility to remove snow and ice from the sidewalk that runs along your property.In addition, according to the law, the property owner should also:
- remove snow, remove ice from the gate and yard of your property,
- remove sagging icicles and excess snow from the roof of your buildings,
- the cleared snow and ice should be stored in a place where it will not cause difficulties for both pedestrians and cars.
Failure to comply with these rules may result in a fine for failure to maintain order in your area.If an accident occurs, the court may order the landlord to pay compensation, annuity or other compensation to the aggrieved party.
They will be given to those who have suffered a he alth impairment as a result of improper cleaning of snow or ice. Therefore, even on an unused pavement, it is better to keep it clean.
What to do to prevent the gutters from freezing?
P:My problem is the freezing of the gutters. Their vertical sections, approx. 4 m long, are clogged with freezing water each winter, creating ice on the pavement. The gutters are metal, but still bend under such a mass of ice. Heard there is some electric heating. How does it work?
O:Frozen gutters are a real problem. They weigh up to several dozen kilograms when filled with ice.It is true that the best way to solve this problem is to make electric heating.These are heating cables of a special design.
They have a power of 10 to 40 W per linear meter and are supplied with 230 V as standard. With the use of special holders, these cables are fastened in horizontal gutters, and in vertical sections of downpipes they should extend below the freezing zone (it is different for different regions of the country).
The anti-icing kit includes:
- heating cable with appropriately selected power and length,
- driver,
- sensor,
- auxiliary equipment.
A good solution is to use a self-regulating cable that adjusts the power to the outside temperature.
