So here we are, almost half way through "WINTER 2008-09" and we have had one doozie of a season already. We have experienced one of the coldest December's on record, which averaged approximately 6 degrees colder than last year (according to my gas bill anyway), snow and ice have blanketed the area keeping us all wondering if we will ever see the green grass again or even the blacktop in some cases.
Along with the cold weather and the snow and ice comes a plethera of issues where our buildings are concerned. Ice dams are a common issue right now with water backing up behind them and into the wall cavities and attic spaces causing unseen infiltration until it is too late. It is important to head to the hardware store and grab a roof rake (an easy $30 investment typically), then USE IT after each snow storm.
Ice damming is a phenomenon that occurs when built up snow on the cold eaves (soffits) of the house has water from the melting snow higher up the roof run through it and freeze into a solid block of ice. As more and more water runs down the roof, the ice dam grows in height. Eventually the height of the ice causes the water to back up far enough on your roof to permeate under the shingles and into your structure. Attacking the snow from the start is crucial as once the ice forms, it's a task (no it's more than that) to get rid of the ice. Typically some sort of chisseling or chopping will need to be done to relieve the backed up water. NIGHTMARE!!! Take into account taking a ladder out on a slippery driveway (or other surface) and/or working in frigid conditions, nothing good will come of this! Call a roofer, see if they will take care of this for you, call US to deal with your water intrusion or for tips on how to deal with it on your own.
Water inside your structure for an extended amount of time is NOT GOOD at all. It must be dried and should be done by a professional. The effects of extended moisture infiltration only get worse over time with insulation R-value loss, wood rot or mold taking hold after days of wetness. Typically your Homeowner's Insurance will cover this event, check with your agent as far as to what extent it is covered. Failure to dry your structure thoroughly will cause as many problems as not raking that original snow off the roof in the first place. It all flows downhill (no pun intended).
Another big problem right now is damage from frozen and burst pipes. Once this happens, get hold of us IMMEDIATELY. I cannot stress the importance of dealing with water issues in the house in a timely manner. The longer the water sits, the more damage occurs and worse. Health and safety issues can be tied to the "mingling" of water and your structural components and the daily "stuff" tied to it. It only takes 72 hours to turn what was clean water to the equivelant of laundry discharge water and another 72 - 96 hours to turn to the equivelant of sewer water. Sounds delicious doesn't it? Most molds will begin to multiply within 48 to 72 hours where the visible signs will begin to rear their ugly heads.
Finally, it's February......have you checked and changed your furnace filter?
Again act swiftly when it comes to water intrusion in your house or business, there is a lot riding on a dry environment!
Coming next - Generator Safety
