Keep ice dams from damaging your home
Ice dams are a common problem during Michigan winters. Farm Bureau Insurance is offering some important tips on how to deal with them. Ice dams occur when heavy snow buildup melts on your roof during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight.
After several days of melting-freezing cycles, ice can work up under the shingles on your roof until water enters your attic and eventually damages ceilings and walls.
Here are steps you can take to keep ice dams from forming and causing problems in your home:
- Make sure all leaves, sticks and other debris are removed from your gutters and downspouts. Keeping them clear will let melting roof snow flow away more readily.
- Try to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices known as roof rakes let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof also reduces the chances of roof failure due to excess weight.
- All winter long, try to keep your gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles.
- Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Good insulation prevents heat loss from the interior of your home, and adequate venting allows attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze-thaw cycles on your roof.
- Check with your Farm Bureau Insurance agent to find out the kind of coverage your Homeowners policy provides for damage from ice dams. http://www.farmbureauinsurance-mi.com
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