How did this happen, Bozeman? Winter is back – again! You’re probably wistfully dreaming of ski trips and winter wonderlands in our gorgeous (albeit chilly) state. But we want to make sure you’re prepared for all the less “fun” parts of winter: the icy, slippy, sometimes dangerous parts.
If you’ve ever skated your way to the mailbox, you know how real the struggle can be—especially in Montana, where the cold doesn’t mess around.
Owenhouse Ace Hardware is here with the ultimate ice management tips to keep you (and your four-legged friends) safe and ready to face the ice and snow. Let’s dive into our top tips for handling winter like a pro.
Ice Management for Your Home
Don’t let the dropping temperatures keep you from enjoying the outdoors! Yes, there will be ice on your stoop, your roof, and probably your sidewalks! But there are things you can do to manage it. Keeping your walkways and roof clear means you can safely get to and from your car, down your sidewalk, or out to the mailbox. Not only will home ice management keep you safely going in and out of your home, but it’ll make it easier for friends and family to visit during these cold dark months!
Ice safety starts with the right tools and a bit of planning. From the dangers of icy stoops to the hazards of ice dams on roofs, a few smart choices can make all the difference. And you guessed it! We have everything you need at Owenhouse Ace.
Best Ice Management Products for Your Home
Roof melt tablets: Prevent damaging ice dams from forming on your roof by placing these tablets along problem areas. They’ll work to melt ice and keep those heavy icicles at bay! And it’s kind of a fun game to toss those pucks on the roof.
Safe Step Ice melt (pet safe): Ensure clear walkways while keeping pets safe with Owenhouse’s pet-safe ice melt. Safe Step is our favorite pet-safe ice melt for humans and four-legged friends alike! This salt-free, fast-acting ice melt is gentler on pet paws and skin and clears driveways and walkways quickly and efficiently. It also won’t destroy your lawn or sidewalk the way some ice melt does.
Snow shovel: Snow is not ice… until it is. Make sure to shovel that snow before it compacts into a dangerous icy mess! The Snowplow snow pusher is the ultimate snow remover for homes and businesses! The Owenhouse team gives it their unanimous support for the top quality construction and unrivaled snow removal ability.
Ice Management for Your Car
It’s no secret—Montana winters are hard on cars, especially for the folks who need to drive them. Have you ever experienced the horror of an ancient ice scraper snapping in your hands or a windshield that won’t de-ice for the life of you? Keeping your vehicle frost-free and ready for the road is simpler with a few key items and tools!
Best Ice Management Products for Your Car or Vehicle
Ice scraper: Don’t let a frosty windshield make you late for work! A fresh ice scraper will clear your view faster and easier than an old, dull one. We suggest you treat yourself to a fancy extendable scraper brush duo like the Sub Zero 50 in. Extendable Ice Scraper/Snow Broom. If you’re out at your car multiple times a week scraping snow and ice off the glass, this will save you time and discomfort! This tool solves the tough problem of clearing ice while reaching across the entire windshield. The curved pole allows you to reach the center of the windshield while keeping the leverage needed to remove ice and frost, and the button makes for an easy push-and-brush experience!
Extreme Temperature Windshield De-Icer: Keep this on hand to melt away stubborn ice on especially cold days, making it faster to defrost your windshield and get going. This formula works well in harsh weather conditions by eliminating frost and snow, leaving you with better visibility!
New all-season wiper blades: If you can’t remember the last time you bought new wiper blades… this is the time to do it. For maximum visibility, switch to winter wiper blades and freeze-resistant windshield washer fluid. These simple upgrades help ensure that ice won’t catch you off guard while you’re out and about. Ron likes the RainX Lattitude blades for their all-season durability.
Ice Management for Your Business
In Bozeman, a little snow doesn’t stop locals from supporting their favorite businesses. Ensuring customer safety by keeping entrances clear and safe is crucial for any business owner. We’ve been recommending the blue ice melt for our local businesses because it makes it clear to your team what areas have been treated and what still needs to be prepped.
Ice Management for Parking Lots, Sidewalks, and More
Safe Step Dual Blend Ice Melt: A visible solution for any business. This blue ice melt is easy to spot, making it easier to avoid reapplying to the same area or leaving any spots untreated. Safe Step 4300 Dual Blend Blue melts ice fast with a quality blend of sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. NOTE: This product is only available at the West Store for now.
Push Spreader for Ice Melt: Got a lot of area to cover? This is the right tool for the job! The Push Spreader has adjustable side and front baffles for directional control of spread. Don’t waste time sprinkling ice melt like you’re feeding the birds!
Snowblower: If you have a lot of property to manage, invest in a snowblower to quickly clear larger areas like parking lots or sidewalks, saving time and keeping customers safe. The EGO Single Stage Battery Auger-Propelled blower is our top recommendation for business owners in Bozeman this season.
Extra Snow Shovels: Always keep a few shovels on hand for quick touch-ups. Employee entrances, loading docks, and sidewalks all need attention to prevent ice from becoming a hazard. If you already have a SnowPlow, it doesn’t hurt to grab some classic snow shovels like the Garant Ergonomic Snow Shovel.
Why Early Ice Prep Matters
Don’t let ice slip you up—embrace winter’s challenges now. With the right tools and products, you can avoid winter frustrations and focus on enjoying the season. Head to Owenhouse Ace Hardware to stock up on everything you need to make this winter safe, easy, and maybe even a little fun. Remember, with the right prep, winter doesn’t stand a chance!
