Snow is doing serious damage!
With the record snowfall this year, most of us are concerned with removing the snow from our driveways so we can get out and drive. But we should also pay attention to where else the snow is piling up.
Just this morning in the Hartford Courant, there were numerous articles about the damage done to roofs. In Somers, for example, the snow collapsed a barn and injured two horses to such an extent that they had to be euthanized. Several area businesses, commercial buildings, and residential garages and houses have experienced roof collapses. As claims come in and as emergency crews are called upon, we are sure to hear of other catastrophes.
On Thursday, Governor Malloy urged people to get the snow off the roofs, especially if the roofs are flat or have a smaller slope. Experts also advocate homeowners to make sure that vents to heating systems are not blocked with snow or ice. Another problem associated with the heavy snowfall is ice dams. As the snow melts, the water collects in the gutters where it freezes and prevents melting snow on the roof from going anywhere. The water can seep under the shingles where can cause damage to ceilings inside the house. Reuben Saltzman did a great job on explaining ice dams and how to correct them, so if your gutters are iced up, you will want to check out his posts.
To sum up:
- Get the snow off the roof if possible
- Check for frozen gutters and ice dams
- Make sure vents to the heating system are not blocked.
The snow may be beautiful to look at, but it is causing serious damage. Homeowners need to be aware of how the damage occurs and take steps to minimize the extent of the damage.
For recent posts and pictures of the snow:
On Days Like This, I Am Grateful for Indoor Plumbing
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Peggy Chirico, REALTOR®
Serving the Greater Hartford Area
Prudential CT Realty
peggychirico@gmail.com
860-748-8900
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Peggy... Glad you are getting the word out. Now I feel bad sitting here in 60 degree weather (freezing!!!). Ok, am I really freezing or am I just wimpy?
Hi Peggy -- Excellent info! It's been nice to look at up to a point, but it can be very dangerous in the situations you mentioned. My husband just went out to TRY and find a snow rake. Looks like we're going to be adding insult to injury with snow tomorrow and possibly a big whopper coming Tues-Weds. Stay safe and warm!
Peggy, the news has you guys out there just burried! Hope the sun comes out soon, and melts some, so you can again regain normalcy!
Great advice. You really have had more than your share of snow this year. We had a local man (32 years old) die of a heart attack while shoveling snow yesterday.
Hi Christina - 60 degrees sound wonderful right about now!
Hi Barbara - Thanks! I can't imagine getting more, but they say we will. This year is one for the books.
Hi Joan - The sun comes out occasionally, but just enough to add more ice to the gutters. You are lucky you don't live here!
Hi Ellie - I think the whole eastern and mid-Adlantic regions have been smacked. My neice and nephew live in VA and they have been digging out too (not as much as us but still a lot for them). We have so much press here about shoveling and heart attacks that I don't think we have as many, but what 32-year-old thinks about getting a heart attack--awful.
So sad about the horses, hopefully there's no more injuries of animal or people. People talk about how beautiful snow is, but it's always kind of scary for me. After our last big storm, our city enacted rules that only one layer of shingles can be on a roof, to keep the weight down. I wonder if your localities will start looking at new regulations too.
Hi Joetta - You make a good point. Here it is no more than two layers, although I have seen some with three! I am with you in hoping there aren't any more roof collapses, but we have more snow in the forecast.
Hi Peggy,
I just wrote a blog about protecting your trees and landscaping too. The weight of the snow can split trees and bushes or make them bend too far that they won't spring back.
Lisa
Hi Lisa - You are right about that. My poor andromedas are being hit hard. I just hope they are OK in the spring.
Ice dams have been an issue here in MN. One home sitting vacant that was for sale with a brand new $75,000 kitchen remodel had the whole thing destroyed due to leakage from a ice dam.
Hi Shar - That is just horrible, but I think we are going to see a lot more of it. I think home inspections over the next month or so are going to be disastrous!
Chicago got hit pretty badly, as well. This is great advice for dealing with the weather.
Hi Ilyce - I used to live in Chicago and still have relatives there so we always compare notes. I certainly don't miss the wind there. By the way, I read your column in the Hartford Courant and really enjoy it.