When the snow begins to pile up in the Mid-Atlantic region, it’s tough for snow plows to see where your driveway or parking lot ends and the grass or curbs begin. That’s why it’s crucial to mark them. The best way to do this is with driveway markers or snow stakes. Those terms are used interchangeably, but we’ll call them driveway markers going forward. It’s common for professional snow removal companies to add driveway markers with their service, but if you prefer to do this yourself, here are all the details.
Nobody wants unsightly ruts to cut into their grass since the driveway is difficult to notice under snow, even if the landscape surrounding the entrance is very lovely. Not being able to see the edge of the plowing area sometimes poses a serious safety issue, particularly if your driveway is near a lake or pond, and contains big trees or pebbles.
Additionally, in regions with a dusting of snow, having able to just see the driveway is crucial for making it to and from your home securely. Marking your driveway using lights or, at the absolute least, reflective markings is the best approach to address this issue. Many solutions are on the market which will make this process simple and stand out in the driveway while enhancing your outdoor design. View our ranking of the top driveway markers presently on the market.
What are driveway markers or snow stakes?
A reflecting strip that is buried in the ground to designate a driveway or property border is called a driveway marker. For snow removal, driveways, curbs, paths, roadways, and parking lots are marked with driveway markers. They also stop motorists from driving on the ground, like grass or a curb. From any aspect, even in dark and in terrible weather, the markings are visible.
What are the benefits of driveway markers?
- Durability
The finest driveway markers are made to endure dampness, various weather conditions, and even chemicals. They also resist corrosion and UV radiation. These road markings may be used again to save expenses and have a little negative effect on the environment.
- You can use them for a variety of applications
Driveway markers may be used as agricultural stakes, reflective road markers, snow stakes, and tree stakes in addition to marking driveways. Driveway markers of excellent quality do not rust, discolor, or degrade quickly. They need little care, so you may use them frequently for many years. These markers are quite popular among snow plowing companies out there, as they can use them effectively for all sorts of snow plowing activities.
- They are easy to use
Driveway markers provide an above-ground visual signal that indicates where the driveway’s boundary is. You may pull into and out of the driveway with ease thanks to the formation of a visible signal.
- They can help with snow removal
Driveway markers are used by snow removal specialists to safeguard costly equipment from harm. Even seasoned contractors sometimes utilize driveway markers. Due of the widespread association of orange with safety, orange-colored driveway markers are quite popular and are used by the majority of snow removal experts.
Different types of driveway markers
- Non-Reflective driveway markers
Driveway markings that are not reflective don’t reflect any light. In comparison to reflective driveway markings, they are simpler in form. They are only stakes made of wood that resemble those seen in certain gardens. But sometimes it’s advantageous that they don’t reflect light. They are perfect for landowners who do not want their driveway markings to stand out since they are not particularly apparent from the curb. Additionally, they may be used to designate parking lots, driveways, and curbs for snow removal.
- Reflective driveway markers
Driveway boundaries are often marked with reflective driveway markers. You can easily see your driveway in the dark thanks to these. Snow removal professionals will also have little trouble clearing your driveway of snow. Your safety is also improved by the markings. They bounce off your lights when you reverse up at night, allowing you to see the border of your driveway. They save you from backing the vehicle into a snowbank and becoming stranded in your vehicle when it snows. The majority of reflective driveway markings are composed of tougher, more weather-resistant fiberglass or fiberglass that has been pultruded.
How to look for the best driveway markers out there?
- Durability
Based on your surroundings and how long you want to use them, choose driveway markers. For long-term usage, the majority of heavy-duty markers featuring UV-resistant reflectors are indeed the best choice. You can recognize both permanent and movable impediments with weather-resistant road signs and steer clear of them. Reflective driveway markers offer a reliable and practical alternative for easily defining specified zones.
- Design
Since driveway markers exist in a variety of sizes and forms, their design is also crucial. Because these don’t take up much room, linear markers work well in areas with shorter driveways. However, if your driveway is longer, you may utilize circle-top driveway markers, that need some room between them. You may also purchase driveway markers with either round or oblong reflector patches.
- Diameter
One of the crucial factors to consider is the diameter of the driveway markers. This is so that it may be used to predict their rigidity, installation simplicity, and lifespan. Three popular dimensions for driveway markings are 1/4, 3/8, and 5/16 inches. The greatest driveway markers in terms of sturdiness and longevity are the 3/8-inch models. They may be seen from the curb due to their being thicker. The markings cost more than thinner driveway markers, however.
- Price
A collection of driveway markers is more cost-effective than individual markers if you have a tight budget. You won’t need to use them sparingly since some manufacturers offer quite so many as 100 driveway markers in a package. Although single driveway markers may last longer, they cost more to purchase enough for the driveway.
- Color
Choose a hue that will stand out clearly from a distance. The most common color for driveway markers is orange, although they also exist in red, yellow, blue, and green. Usually, reflective tape in white or silver is used to cover them.
Final words
Now you know what driveway markers are all about and why they are so popular among snow-plowing companies. If you are trying to plow snow on your own, you may think about getting driveway markers on your own as well. If you are located in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware or the greater Washington D.C. area of the Mid-Atlantic region and you prefer to leave snow removal up to the professionals, contact us today.