Prepare your home for the winter (Shawnee, IL)

Prepare your home for the winter

Prepare your home for the winter Take Action Now To Avoid Winter Home Damage For new homeowners who will be braving their first winter especially those moving from a warmer climate - ice dams may not exactly be a household word. However they cost the public millions of dollars each year when ceilings and walls are ruined as a result of winter water seepage. Ice dams usually form when warmth from inside a home causes snow on the roof to melt and trickle to the roof s edge where it refreezes blocking gutters and drains. Since water cannot flow over the built-up ice it seeps into the home under the shingles. If your house is susceptible to ice dams it s a good idea to take action before weather conditions threaten your home. Here are a couple of tips that new homeowners should consider in fall and early winter to prevent ice dams Keep all gutters and downspouts clear. Make certain that leaves sticks and debris are removed completely from your home s gutters and downspouts. Keep your attic chilly. The most effective way to eliminate ice dams is to stop snow-melt by making the roof colder. This can be achieved by insulating the floor of the attic and under the roof and by blocking all crevices (known as bypasses ) where warm air from the interior can rise into the attic. Once the snow falls and winter unofficially begins there are still a few things homeowners can do to prevent or alleviate ice dams. If possible keep snow off the roof with a snow rake. Use a roof rake or push broom to reduce the amount of snow that could melt. Do not climb on the roof to clear the snow as serious injury may result. Also be cautious of electrical wires. Melt away any ice that forms. It may sound strange but placing old nylon stockings filled with snowmelt on an ice dam is an effective way to melt the dam and create a channel for the water to run off. Be certain to lay the stockings perpendicular to the gutter near the edge of the roof. In an emergency situation where water is seeping into the house contact a professional contractor to fix the situation and minimize damages. WILBRANT INSURANCE WILBRANT INSURANCE has over 3 experience in the insurance industry. For additional information on preventing winter weather damage call 913-225-6237 visit our website at www.wilbrantinsurance.com and request a homeowners insurance quote or visit at 11111 W 59TH TERRACE STE 201A SHAWNEE KS for free fire brochure on Protect Your Home against Severe Winter Weather.