FAQs - Winter

The team at Farmac have many years experience giving our customers expert advice on their fencing, decking and landscaping projects. When customers visit our shop in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, we are frequently asked questions which we feel would be of use to others. We hope the questions below will be helpful to you. If you have a particular question which is not answered, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

  • Q. Is it true that if I clear the pavement outside my house and someone slips I could be responsible?

    There's no law stopping you from clearing snow and ice on the pavement outside your home or from public spaces. It's unlikely you'll be sued or held legally responsible for any injuries on the path if you have cleared it carefully. Follow the snow code when clearing snow and ice safely.

    The Snow Code

    If you clear snow and ice yourself, be careful - don’t make the pathways more dangerous by causing them to refreeze. But don’t be put off clearing paths because you’re afraid someone will get injured.

    Remember, people walking on snow and ice have responsibility to be careful themselves. Follow the advice below to make sure you clear the pathway safely and effectively.

    Clear the snow or ice early in the day

    It’s easier to move fresh, loose snow rather than hard snow that has packed together from people walking on it. So if possible, start removing the snow and ice in the morning. If you remove the top layer of snow in the morning, any sunshine during the day will help melt any ice beneath. You can then cover the path with salt before nightfall to stop it refreezing overnight.

    Use salt or sand - not water

    If you use water to melt the snow, it may refreeze and turn to black ice. Black ice increases the risk of injuries as it is invisible and very slippery. You can prevent black ice by spreading some salt on the area you have cleared. You can use ordinary table or dishwasher salt - a tablespoon for each square metre you clear should work. Don’t use the salt found in salting bins - this will be needed to keep the roads clear.

    Be careful not to spread salt on plants or grass as it may cause them damage.

    If you don’t have enough salt, you can also use sand or ash. These won’t stop the path icing over as well as salt, but will provide good grip under foot.

    Take care where you move the snow

    When you’re shovelling snow, take care where you put it so it doesn’t block people’s paths or drains. Make sure you make a path down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on. Then shovel the snow from the centre of the path to the sides.

    Offer to clear your neighbours’ paths

    If your neighbour will have difficulty getting in and out of their home, offer to clear snow and ice around their property as well. Check that any elderly or disabled neighbours are alright in the cold weather. If you’re worried about them, contact your local council.

    Prevent slips

    Pay extra attention to clear snow and ice from steps and steep pathways - you might need to use more salt on these areas.

  • Q. What's the difference between a toboggan and a sledge?

    Well, really a toboggan is a simple sledge. It is believed it’s origins are as a traditional form of transport used by the Innu and Cree of northern Canada. These days it’s used on snow to carry one or more people (not always children!) down a hill or other slope for fun. Designs vary from simple, traditional models to modern engineering marvels .   A toboggan differs from sleighs and sledges as it has no runners or skis underneath. The bottom of a toboggan rides directly on the snow. In countries that bare used to winter snow some parks include designated toboggan hills where ordinary sleds are not allowed. Some may also have toboggan runs similar to bobsleigh courses.   A traditional toboggan is made of wood slats bent forward at the front to form a sideways 'J' shape. A rope is run through the front of the sled in a loop to provide basic steering. The rider at the front places their feet in the loop and sits on the flat bed whilst other riders sit behind and grasp the waist of the person in front.   Modern recreational toboggans are typically manufactured from wood, aluminum or plastic. Larger, more rugged models are made for commercial or rescue use.  

    "The Mountaineer [Innu] method is the only one adapted for the interior parts of the country: their sleds are made of two thin boards of birch; each about six inches broad, a quarter of an inch thick, and six feet long: these are fastened parallel to each other by slight battens, sewed on with thongs of deer-skin; and the foremost end is curved up to rise over the inequalities of the snow. Each individual who is able to walk is furnished with one of these; but those for the children are proportionately less. On them they stow all their goods, and also their infants; which they bundle up very warm in deer-skins. The two ends of a leather thong are tied to the corners of the sled; the bight or double part of which is placed against the breast, and in that manner it is drawn along. The men go first, relieving each other in the lead by turns; the women follow next, and the children, according to their strength, bring up the rear; and, as they all walk in rackets (snowshoes), the third or fourth person finds an excellent path to walk on, let the snow be ever so light" (Townsend 1911).