Prevent Ice Dams From Damaging Your Roof

From un-seasonal warmth to heavy snow and freezing temperatures, this

winter has been packed with plenty of surprises, and it's not over yet. A cold weather culprit that could become a problem following a snowstorm is ice damming on top of a home. Ice dams develop when heat from a home rises

up through a roof covered with several inches of snow and melts the bottom

snow layer creating an icy buildup.

"Ice dams are lumps of ice that form on gutters, eaves and valleys, and

prevent melting snow from running down," says Sam Whiteman, Claims Field

Director for Allstate's Midwest Region. "As the snow melts, the water backs

up and seeps under shingles or tiles and eventually into your home.

Preventing ice dams can be as simple as mounting proper insulation and

avoiding improper removal of ice and snow."

To help minimize ice dam formation on your roof and protect your home from

winter damage, Allstate Insurance Company offers the following tips:

• Keep gutters and downspouts clear of leaves and natural debris.

• Identify areas of heat loss in your attic and properly insulate them to

prevent heat from escaping.

• Minimize heat loss through the attic by wrapping or insulating all heating

ductwork.

• Avoid using sharp tools or ice picks, which can damage roofs, on gutters or

downspouts. Use a snow rake or soft broom to clear fresh snowfall from
gutters.

• Contact a professional snow removal company to clear existing ice dams.

• Avoid falling icicles or avalanching snow. Avoid getting on the roof and

working on a ladder or beneath a roof that has accumulated large amount of
snow.

To learn more about preventing ice dams or receive information on other

safety topics, contact your local Allstate agent.

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