Home Maintenance: Protecting Against Snow and Ice

When we get heavy snow, strain is placed on the roof and structure of your home. It poses a risk to not only your home but your personal well-being as falling snow and ice can cause serious injury. Once temperatures start to rise and dip below freezing ice forms and the weight and strain placed on roofing components can double. This melting and freezing snow can also lead to ice dams, which can hinder or block drainage completely and cause leaks that damage walls and ceilings in your home.

Tips To Prevent Structural Failures

Never walk on a snow covered roof, it is extremely dangerous to do so without taking safety precautions.
Remove snow without getting on the roof using a roof rake if possible.
If removal requires accessing the roof, consider having a professional remove the snow.
When removing snow, keep it away from foundation walls.
Don’t forget about any decks, remove snow to reduce stress on them.
Keep an eye out for signs of roof problems such as leaks.
If you are concerned about the structural integrity of a building, contact a professional.

Tips To Prevent Ice Damming

Consider having a professional, licensed contractor remove snow and ice from the roof surface, overhangs, eaves and gutters.
Avoid common ice melters on a roof as these are highly corrosive to shingles, metal gutters, downspouts and flashings.
Look for sagging or collapsed ice-filled gutters, water-damaged ceilings, peeling paint, damaged plaster and wet insulation.
If you spot wet areas in your home, dry them thoroughly and remove all wet building materials, including drywall and floor coverings.

Don’t forget about some general safety tips for around your home in the winter. Be aware of areas where falling ice and snow could occur and avoid them or act on the tips above to remove these risks. Also, be sure to salt icy/slippery surfaces like around main entrances so you or someone else doesn’t slip and fall and you end up liable!

Here at Jump Realty, all of our agents can help you make sure your home is well protected. They’ll give you honest advice on what course of action is best for you in their professional opinion and will always put taking care of your best interests first! With offices in Windsor, Tecumseh, Kingsville, and Chatham, no matter where you are a Jump agent is ready to help. Please contact us for any housing needs and let us give you a better real estate experience!