Ahhhh, that dreaded moment when you realize that the ice that built up in your gutters is what is causing water to enter into your home. This is called “Ice Damming.” Ice gathers in the gutters and the gutters act as a dam for the water build-up. As the snow melts, moisture builds and water must find daylight. This is worse when the temperatures stay cold because the melting continues slowly due to the heat of the roof. It actually is a better situation when the temperatures warm up– the ice melts quicker and the situation can be handled at once.
In any event, homeowners need to know what to do. Many experts will advise homeowners to remove the gutters when ice damming happens and get in touch with the insurance companies. For those who have expensive gutter systems, the dilemma is worse as to what to do. The damages that can occur by not taking immediate steps can be devastating, but in the case with copper gutters, for example, the cost of losing those gutters as weighed against the potential loss from the ice damming needs to be considered. A homeowner should contact the insurance company in all cases to see what is a covered situation. Contact Reg or Tom at Windows Plus & Allied The Window Center – 703-256-0600 – for any information on your home improvement needs. For gutter work and ice damming situations, count on our experts to get you through!
