Photo credit: Wikimedia
We note that many Searches for "ice dams" on our blog this year. Although ice dams are a winter danger that we in New England have become all-too familiar with some of our southern neighbors may meet them for the first time. We have updated information from a job before offering a few key facts.
How do you know if you have ice dams?
Essentially, if you have large stalactites hanging from your roof, you probably have an ice dam problem -see picture above. stalactites are the symptom, not the underlying problem which is usually one of the insulation. the University of Minnesota Extension offers a solid explanation of what ice dams are and why they occur, as well as information on prevention. Do not miss the excellent diagram that shows why they form
If you have ice dams on your home, you need to approach them with a two-pronged strategy :.
First, you must get rid of ice dams and to minimize the immediate damage
Your best bet is to hire an experienced professional to do this -. it can be a risky task. Some people want to go out and chop off ice, but it is not a good idea to be climbing on snow and ice from roofs or use ladders on slippery ground. Also, using the wrong tools to remove snow or ice from your roof pieces can cause damage to your shingles or your gutters. Not to mention the damage to you: flying chunks of ice can be very heavy and sharp. Many people also use salt or other chemical concoctions to deal with ice dams, a less-than-ideal "fix" because the chemicals can damage or discolor your roof and can leach into the ground, damaging plants and greenery. If you have a low roof, one of the most common ways that people treat ice dams is buying a roof rake designed and remove snow directly above the ice dam. Again, this can pose risks to you and your roof.
Second, you need to diagnose the underlying problem and take steps to prevent ice dams from forming.
Although ice dams can sometimes occur due to freezing rain, more often than not they are a symptom of a problem of isolation that must be addressed, as there is d other problems that the ice dams that can occur as a moisture buildup that could lead to rot, mildew or mold. Not to mention that with poor insulation, heating costs are almost literally going through the roof. While there are a number of products that can treat symptoms and prevent ice dams, the best way to protect the value of your home would be to get the expertise of a sealing, insulation, or conservation contractor of energy to diagnose and correct the problem root. Builder and consultant Paul Frisette offers his thoughts on why ice dams are formed and how to avoid ice dams by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.
dams and ice owners and rental insurance
The Insurance Information Institute examines what is covered and what is not in terms of water damage: . "proprietary and standard renters insurance provides coverage for burst pipes, wind driven rain and damage resulting from ice dams on your roof" III also offers this basic useful rule "in general the water that comes from the top down, like rain, is covered by a standard home insurance policy, while the water that comes from the bottom up, like a river in flood, is covered by a . insurance against separate flood policy "
In a separate article on the recent severe storms, III examines winter water damage:
" snowmelt that seeps into a house from the ground is considered flooding and would be covered by insurance against flooding, which is provided by the National flood insurance Program FEMA and some private insurers. Federal flood insurance is available to homeowners and renters. Flooding is not covered by standard homeowners or renters insurance policies. "
" Freezing conditions such as burst pipes or ice dams-a condition where water can not drain properly through the gutters and seeps into a house causing damage to ceilings and murs- is covered. It is usually a requirement, however, that the owner has taken steps to prevent these losses by keeping the house warm and maintain pipes, drains and gutters. "
If in doubt about your coverage, call your agent - that is what we are here to
This is information of Wikipedia and some our insurance partners:
Travelers: Tips to help remove an ice dam on your roof [1945004!]
Liberty Mutual: ice dams
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