This winter has been a force to be reckoned with, and though it’s almost March, cold weather and freezing temperatures persist here on the East End.
The harsh weather isn’t just a cause for grumbling for those who are holding out hope for sunnier climes. The amount of snow this year, combined with a continual freeze and thaw cycle, could result in ice and snow build-up on the roof and in the gutters of homes.
Ice dams, which develop when heat from a roof covered with at least 8 inches of snow moves through the roof and melts the bottom layer of snow, are among the biggest culprits in winter home disasters, according to Allstate New York spokesperson Krista Conte.
“Ice dams are lumps of ice that form on gutters, eaves and valleys, and prevent melting snow from running down,” she wrote in a recent press release. “As the snow melts, the water backs up and seeps under shingles or tiles and eventually into your home.”
To help minimize ice dam formation on the roof, Allstate Insurance Company offers a few key tips.
Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and natural debris. When cleaning gutters, avoid using sharp tools or ice picks, which can damage roofs. Use a snow rake or soft broom to clear fresh snowfall from gutters.
If ice dams are in evidence, contact a professional snow removal company to clear them. Homeowners should also protect themselves by avoiding falling icicles or avalanching snow. And avoid getting on the roof and working on a ladder or beneath a roof that has accumulated large amounts of snow.
To learn more about preventing ice dams or to receive information on other safety topics, visit allstate.com.
27east on Feb 22, 2010