With temperatures anticipated to rise soon, homeowners are being called to clear the snow off their roofs before any ice dams are formed.
“Ice dams can cause significant damage to your home, starting with your shingles, soffit and roof and even spreading to the ceiling, walls, and contents of your home,”
SGI Canada executive vice-president and chief operating officer Don Thompson said in a press release.
Learn more about snow removal insurance here.
Ice dams form when temperatures rubber-band between warm and cold. When snow melts on a roof but is not drained properly, it could refreeze and form an ice dam. The ridge formed by an ice dam can prevent further snowmelt from draining off the roof, causing water to back up and eventually leak into a home.
SGI Canada listed three tips to help homeowners avoid the dangers of ice dams:
- Keep the amount of snow on your roof to a minimum. Use a roof rake or hire a professional to clear the snow away for safety reasons. Don’t go up on the roof yourself.
- Keep gutters and downspouts free of snow, ice buildup and icicles so there’s a ready path for melting snow and ice to drain.
- Ensure your attic is properly insulated and ventilated to prevent heat from inside your home leaking into the attic and causing snow of the roof to melt. A roofing contractor can provide assistance if needed.
Thompson also said that homeowners should talk to their insurance broker to learn if coverage for ice dams is included in their coverage.
“Just keep in mind the coverage has to be in place before damage occurs, so it’s a good idea to have that conversation with your broker sooner rather than later,” Thompson explained.
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