Warmer temperatures are bringing snow trouble
It’s time to get out the shovels and show that snow where to go!
It’s been a snowy winter on the Prairies. With the return of warmer temperatures, SGI CANADA is reminding homeowners to give that melting snow somewhere to go – so that it doesn’t end up where you don’t want it.
“Spring is just around the corner and we’re pretty excited to see things thawing out,” said Andrew Voroney, EVP and COO of SGI CANADA. “As the temperatures fluctuate, the chance of ice dams developing on the roof of buildings goes up considerably. It’s time to move that snow off the roof and away from your foundation before it can cause problems.”
What is an ice dam?
Snow that collects on the roof of a home can melt due to heat rising from an attic or warm outdoor temperatures. When that melted water reaches the eaves where there is no heat, it often re-freezes into a large ice block called an ice dam. That dam prevents melted snow from draining off the roof, where it then finds its way into the attic and walls of the home.
How can I protect my home?
The simplest way to prevent this damage is by removing snow from the roof, especially within two metres (six feet) of the eaves. You can safely do this by using a roof rake – a tool that consists of a snow rake on a long, extendable pole that can safely reach the eaves of the roof to remove snow. (Don’t leave snow piled up around your foundation, either; shovel it at least two metres away from your foundation to prevent seepage into your basement).
As a last line of defence, check that your home has a sump pump (or pumps) installed and that they are working properly. This is also a good time to clean and maintain the backwater valve on your sewer line if your home has one.
Talk to your broker
Not all insurance policies have coverage for the damage caused by ice dams. Talk to your insurance broker to ensure you have the coverage in place that meets your needs. (And even if you are covered, it’s always best to avoid the damage to your home and disruption to your life by preventing it in the first place).
If you have an ice dam that does result in damage, do what you can to prevent further damage and contact your insurance broker as soon as possible to file a claim.
For more information on ice damming and other potential winter-related damage, please visit https://sgicanada.ca/news?title=how-to-spot-and-prevent-ice-dams. SGI CANADA will also be featuring more ice damming and home protection tips on our Instagram and Facebook pages over the next few weeks.