Brrrr….Winter is HERE! WATCH OUT FOR ICE DAMS!

Okay – so yes, we have had a crazy mild winter this year in northeast Ohio!!!  Our temperatures have been mild and we have had very little snow to deal with.  But…the temps have dropped this week and the snow is on its way.  Between the cold and the snow we have the issue of having to deal with ice dams…

The following information was shared with me my by my friend Dana at ServPro..

HOW TO DEAL WITH ICE DAMS….
1)  Remove snow from the roof.  A “roof rake” or push broom can be used to remove snow.  It’s best to have professionals do this job to avoid injury.
2)  In an emergency to halt water flow inside the building structure, make channels through the ice dam using warm water.  Work from the lower edge of the dam upwards.  This is only a TEMPORARY solution.
3)  The ice dam can be removed, but this places the roof and remover at risk and should only be done by professionals.

ICE DAM PREVENTION IDEAS….
Ventilate Eaves and Ridges
Cap the hatch
Exhaust to the outside
Add Insulation
Install sealed can lights
Flash around chimneys
Seal and Insulate Ducts
Caulk Penetrations
Weatherstrip attic doors
Keep gutters Clean

Hopefully we will NOT have to deal with this but if so…I hope these tips help you!

Please always know we are here for you – never hesitate to call or e-mail our office with ANY questions..because we care!