IT'S -10 outside, your floor's covered in water but you didn't let the bathtub overflow, and there's a new stain on the ceiling. Yup, you really should have done something about that ice on the roof a little sooner.
Ice occurs when either the sun or heat escaping from your house melts snow on the roof. When the water hits the cooler edge of the roof, it refreezes, causing a dam.
More ice backs up behind the dams, working under shingles and eventually melting -- often right into your home -- when it meets warmer attic air.
What to do: Take action if you notice big icicles and heavy ice and snow extending four or five feet up your roof. Removing snow and ice from the roof is not a DIY project: It's dangerous to both you and your roof. And beware of amateurs knocking on doors. Instead, call a professional.
Service: The pros know how to use shovels, axes and hammers to remove snow and ice without cracking shingles, shearing off vents or adding an unwanted skylight to your home. Once the worst is gone, the sun will melt the rest.
Costs: Vary depending on the size of the home and amount of buildup. Expect to pay $300 to $600-plus for an average home (a bargain compared to the cost of a major roof repair). Bungalows are usually the most expensive because of long roof edges and low-profile roofs that don't shed snow. In February, one removal should last the rest of the winter.
Cleanup: Ask the contractor if cost includes removal of snow and ice that's gone from your roof to the ground.
Advice: Next time you have your home re-roofed, inquire about adding a rubberized ice and water shield beneath the shingles. Proper attic insulation and ventilation also reduce problems. In the meantime, when those guys show up to remove the ice and snow, "ask for proof of insurance and Workers' Compensation coverage," says Jim Potvin, general manager of Sanderson Roofing in Ottawa. "Otherwise, if there's an accident, you could be open to a lawsuit."
-- Canwest News Service
