Winter Weather Creates Ice Dam Dangers

02/15/2010

Winter weather often results in potentially expensive home insurance claims brought on by ice dams and other common cold weather hazards. People can often perform basic maintenance to minimize this possibility, but in the process they may also end up putting their safety at risk.

With that in mind, a recent report in Ohio's Chillicothe Gazette quoted Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List, as saying that an "accumulation of icicles" on the roof is a good sign that an ice dam is forming and may need attention from a contractor.

The report added that ice dams can cause damage to a roof but may also allow other damage from moisture seeping between shingles and allowing it to get into areas of a home such as between the walls.

Elsewhere, a major insurance company's website advises people to try to keep snow from accumulating on the lower 3 to 6 feet of their roof. One option for doing this can be roof rakes. The website also advises people to seal leaks that could allow warm air to get up into the attic.

Also, rusty nails and mildew odors may be a sign that moisture from ice or other sources has already infiltrated one's home.

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