Did you know that thousands of Canadians experience home insurance claims due to snow and ice damage each winter? We’ve outlined two of the main culprits to help you avoid potential hassles.
Even though a snow-covered roof and an ice-covered tree can be picturesque, they both present a hazard to your home and can potentially cause severe damage.
Avoiding Ice Dams
An ice dam occurs in areas of the roof where there is poor insulation and the heat from the house melts the snow. This results in water flowing to the lowest part of the roof, where it then freezes – creating an ice dam.
How can you prevent this from happening?
- Inspect edges of the roof to ensure no ice dams have formed or are forming.
- Ensure attic areas are insulated sufficiently.
- Keep attic well ventilated and on the cooler side to prevent snow from melting, ultimately creating an ice dam.
Why You May Need to Shovel Your Roof…
Yes, oddly enough there may come a time when you will need to shovel your roof, to prevent potential winter damage.
When you need to act:
When snow or ice accumulation has reached 2 inches.
How to act:
You’ll need a roof rake with an adjustable pole to do this. From the ground use your roof rake and be extra careful not to damage the roof. If this sounds daunting, you can hire a professional to do this for you.
If you're curious if your home insurance covers damage from snow and ice, we suggest you contact your Youngs Insurance Broker today!
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