Winter weather brings snow, ice, and fluctuating temperatures that can wreak havoc on your home — especially your roof. One major hazard to watch for is ice dams. Left unchecked, ice dams can lead to costly roof repairs, water damage, and even structural issues.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining properly. This trapped meltwater can work its way under your shingles and into your home, causing structural or water damage to your ceilings, walls, and more.

What Causes Ice Dams?

Ice dams occur when temperature differences on your roof cause melting snow to refreeze at the eaves. As snow melts and water flows from warmer areas of the roof to its colder edges, the water refreezes and gradually forms a ridge of ice. Key contributors to ice dam formation include:

• Inadequate ventilation: Improper airflow allows warm air to accumulate in the attic.
• Poor attic insulation: Heat escapes from your home, warming the roof and causing snow to melt.
• Air leaks: Gaps around vents, chimneys, and other fixtures let warm air escape.

Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?

The weight of an ice dam can strain your roof, but that’s only the beginning of the problems they can create. Here are some common issues related to ice dams:

• Shingle damage: Ice dams can lift shingles as they form and expand, compromising their protective seal.
• Roof and gutter stress: The weight of ice dams can damage your roof and gutters, and in some cases, even pull gutters off your house.
• Water intrusion: Meltwater can seep under shingles, causing damage to your walls, insulation, floors, and ceilings.
• Mold formation: Trapped moisture from water intrusion creates an environment where mold can grow and thrive.

How do I Spot an Ice Dam?

Ice dams can easily go unnoticed, but these warning signs often indicate a potential problem:

• Icicles on the roof or gutters: Icicles form under similar conditions that allow ice dams to take hold.
• Snow buildup: A clear roof higher up with snow and ice buildup near the roof’s edge suggests uneven roof temperatures.
• Leaks or water stains: Damage to interior walls could be the result of water seeping in through compromised shingles.

How do I Remove an Ice Dam?

If you notice any warning signs, prompt ice dam removal can help prevent further damage. Here are a few quick fixes you can try to address the problem:

1. Use a roof rake: Remove snow from the roof’s edge to minimize the source of melting water.
2. Apply calcium chloride: Use a de-icing product designed for roofs. Avoid rock salt, which can damage paint and metal.
3. Install heated cables: Mount temporary heating cables along the edge of your roof and through the downspout to create channels for proper water runoff.

If the situation is severe, it’s best to leave the ice dam removal to the professionals. Chipping away at ice dams can damage shingles and increase the chance of leaks. Plus, working on a roof in winter conditions can be dangerous. A professional has the tools and expertise to handle the job safely and effectively.

How can I prevent an Ice Dam?

Getting rid of ice dams permanently is simple in theory: keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. Achieving this requires proper airflow, insulation, and ventilation. Here are a few long-term solutions to help reduce or eliminate ice dams:

• Improve insulation: Add insulation to the attic floor to keep heat from escaping through the attic.
• Enhance ventilation: Install soffit and ridge vents to regulate attic temperatures. Baffles may be necessary to improve air circulation.
• Stop air leaks: Seal any gaps around vents, electrical cables, chimneys, and recessed lighting to keep warm air inside your home.
• Keep gutters clear: Regularly remove leaves, sticks, and other debris from gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage of melting snow.
• Remove snow buildup: Keep snow on your roof to a minimum by using a roof rake, especially after a heavy snowfall.
• Cap the attic hatch: Insulate and weatherstrip attic hatches to keep warm air from leaking into the attic.
• Exhaust properly: Ensure that exhaust ducts, including kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents, lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.

used with permission from Westfield Insurance

Winter Driving Basics

Slow down. It's harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. Increase your following distance enough so that you will have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Don't crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow. Even the best drivers may be no match for winter weather conditions. It’s a good  idea to have your family members and employees brush up on their defensive driving techniques. 

Stock Your Vehicle

Be prepared for winter weather and an emergency by keeping these items in your personal and work vehicle:

1. Snow shovel,
2. Broom and Ice Scraper
3. Abrasive material (sand or kitty litter)
4. Jumper cables,
5. Flashlight and warning devices (flares or emergency markers)
6. Cell phone and charger
7. Water, food
8. Blanket & Medicine.

If You Get Stuck

Follow these tips to stay safe if you are stopped on a road during winter weather: Stay with your vehicle and don't overexert yourself Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on so your vehicle can be seen Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and only run your vehicle sporadically -- just long enough to stay warm. Don't run your vehicle for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space. 

Snow Removal Basics

Snow and ice accumulation on building roofs should be monitored.

Look for the following signs:

• Doors sticking
• New drywall cracks
• Creaking noises
• Bows in the roof structure

With cooler weather upon us, you may want to make sure your home is sealed up tight and ready for winter. It’s much easier to tackle these tasks now, rather than wait to do them in the rain or snow.

1. Check your home for leaks in your window seals or roof. If your home’s eaves have stains, that can indicate a leak. If you find any stains, call a roof contractor to make any repairs before winter.

2. During the next rainstorm, check your gutters and ensure the water drains away from the home. If your area experiences snow, any back-up of gutters may result in ice damming and lead to water damage. Before winter arrives, shut off all outside water faucets or garden hose connections, then drain hoses and store them in the garage.

3. Clean overgrown vegetation and trim dead branches from trees that are close to your home. Also give your lawn one last cut before cleaning and storing your lawn mower.

4. Clean out your grill and firepit. Cover up or store any outdoor furniture, so it’s out of the elements and stays nice for next year.

5. If you have a HVAC service contract, have them stop by. Otherwise, replace filters and install covers on the AC condensing units on the outside of the home.

6. Call a professional to check your fireplace – especially if you plan to use it during the winter. Nothing is worse than smoking up your home when the weather is cold because your fireplace flue wasn’t cleaned. If you do use your fireplace, be sure to dispose of the ashes properly using a fireproof metal bucket.

7. Make sure everything you’ll need for winter is in good working order. If your area gets snow, test your snowblower and have it serviced. Ensure your outdoor activated night lights or security system components are all operating correctly.

- Originally posted by CHUBB https://www.chubb.com/us-en/individuals-families/resources/7-tasks-to-prepare-your-home-for-fall-weather.aspx?utm_source=prs_client&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pcc-october-fall-prepardness

Avoid Hitting a Deer

Fall is breeding season for deer so they will be more active near roads, especially around dawn and dusk.

Deer often travel in groups. If you see one along the road, you will likely encounter others.

Be extra careful near deer crossing signs.

Be Prepared for Changing Light

Sun Glare - The changing season brings the sun closer to the horizon, which keeps it pointed straight into your eyes and makes it more likely to reflect at low angles off other cars, buildings or windows.

The bright sun often creates a large amount of glare, making it difficult to see other vehicles, the road or the shoulder.

Always keep a pair of sunglasses in your vehicle and wear them during these times.

Shorter Days, Dark Commute - Make sure all of your vehicle's lights are working.

Don't look directly into the lights of oncoming traffic.

Keep your windshield clean so dirt doesn't add to the glare.

Give your eyes time to adjust to the dark, between two and five minutes, before hitting the road.

Fall Hazard: Leaves

Slow down if you are driving on a road covered with leaves, especially when driving around turns.

Wet leaves can get extremely slippery, making the driving conditions similar to driving on ice.

Increase your following distance to allow yourself plenty of time to stop.

Be aware of visibility issues. Leaves make it difficult to see potholes, bumps in the road or road markings.

Never drive through a leaf pile. A pile of leaves raked to the side of the road is an inviting place to a child. Children enjoy jumping into the leaf piles or burrowing down into them and hiding. A leaf pile can also hide objects that can damage your car, such as a rake.

Keep your windshield leaf free. This will keep wet leaves from getting stuck under the windshield wiper blades.

Never park over a pile of leaves. Parking in a leaf pile creates a fire hazard from the exhaust system or catalytic converter.

Are you stuck at home wondering what to do with all of your free time? Can You Name Every Item in Your Home?

Most people don't think about the many items they have collected over the years. Items are used every day, but often never thought about. Many items are replaced throughout the years, but no thought is given to the increased value of inventory. Creating and maintaining an inventory of items in your home can help ensure you have purchased the right insurance coverage. In the event of a loss, it can help you settle a claim faster, and put less strain on your brain in an already stressful situation.

How do You Create Your Home Inventory?

Creating and maintaining your home inventory is easy with available software. Now you can download apps right on your phone to create, maintain, and update your inventory. Having online storage will allow you to access your inventory anywhere, any time. You never know when a claim may happen, but you can be prepared with an up-to-date online home inventory.

What Should You Include in Your Home Inventory?

You should take inventory of everything of value in your home, and update the list as you acquire new items. Here is a list of some of the most common items:

• Electronics (TV, Gaming Console, Computer)
• Kitchen and Household Appliances (Washer/Dryer, Microwave, Oven, Refrigerator)
• Furniture
• Clothing
• Jewelry
• China
• Silverware
• Artwork
• Antiques
• Linens
• Books
• Guns
• Sporting Equipment

Some items like jewelry, antiques, and other special items, may need to be insured separately. Talk to one of the specially trained independent agents at Rutt Insurance to make sure you have the coverage that you need.