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Avoiding Winter Damage to your
Mountain Home
Ice dams may not exactly be a household word, but they cost the public
millions of dollars each year, when ceilings and walls are ruined
as a result of winter water seepage.
Ice dams usually form when warmth from inside a home causes snow
on the roof to melt and trickle to the roof's edge, where it refreezes,
blocking gutters and drains. Since water cannot flow over the built
up ice, it seeps into the home under the shingles.
"If your house is susceptible to ice dams, it's a good idea
to take action in the fall before weather conditions threaten your
home."
says Bob Smith, Chief claim Officer for Met life Auto & Home.
Steps to take in the Fall:
- Keep all gutters and downspouts clear. Make certain leaves, sticks
and debris are removed completely from your home's gutters and downspouts.
- Keep your attic chilly. the most effective way to eliminate ice
dams is to stop snow melt by making the roof colder. this can be
achieved by insulating the floor of the attic and under the roof
and by blocking all crevices 9 known as bypass) where warm air from
interior can rise into the attic.
- Identify water entry points within your home. you may wish to
contact a contractor to locate these entry points and take the appropriate
actions to create a waterproof barrier.
Steps to take in the Winter:
- If possible, use a roof rake or push broom to reduce the amount
of snow that could melt. Do not stand on a ladder or climb on the
roof to clear the snow, as serious injury may result. Also , be
cautious of electrical wires.
- To melt the ice, bring new life to an old set of legs. it may
sound strange, but placing old nylon stockings filled with snow
melting chemicals on an ice dam is an effective way to malt the
dam and create a channel for the water to run off. Be certain to
lay the stockings perpendicular to the gutter near the edge of the
roof.
- In an emergency situation, when water is seeping into the house,
the best advise is to notify a professional contractor.
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