In Comes the Ice!!

your-campaign-in-comes-the-iceThe same snow that creates good winter fun now presents a dangerous and damaging problem for your home. That very same weather can cause ice dams leading to various problems.

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a build up of ice along the edge of a roof. The ice prevents water from flowing off the roof. The water back up can lead to water under the roof shingles, which can penetrate several layers and eventually lead to water damage.

Spotting or identifying an ice dam is simple. Look for a bulging block of ice attached to the overhang of your roof. The pretty icicles hanging over the side of your roof are a sure sign. You may also experience rain gutters overflowing with ice.

Ice dams are typically covered with several inches of snow which could prevent you from noticing them. Under that frozen snow is melting snow and ice that can lead to water entering your home. If there is already interior damage it may be accompanied by a wet ceiling and/or wall, or water flowing into windows.

Possible Damage
Under the dam invisible damage is occurring in your attic and walls. The wood framing is wet and undoubtedly beginning to rot. Your insulation is now soaked and inefficient. This can also allow for mold, mildew, and odor problems.

The now-soaked framing and insulation will continue to cause wall damage and interior moisture problems until things finally dry out completely. Leaving these problems untreated can cause serious structural damage.

How to prevent ice dams
The damage that the melting water from an ice dam can cause is due to excess heat leaking from your home. Putting an end to the escaping heat will help cut down on potential problems.

Insulation: Properly insulate your home to ensure that you are not releasing excess heat from your home. Eliminate gaps or openings and make sure to insulate attic doors as well.

Hot Air Bypass: Seal all openings that allow for hot air to bypass into the attic. Warm air rises and will subsequently try to escape from your home. It can cause heat loss leading to rising utility costs and moisture problems in the attic. Weather strip the attic door better than any other door in the house. Also make sure that exhaust fans does not empty into the attic to avoid excess moisture.

Ventilation: Avoid blocking any vents with insulation. Increasing the ventilation will cool down your attic and eliminate unwanted moisture. the best system is a combination of low-intake ventilation and high-exhaust vents on the attic roof. There should be a minimum of 1 square feet of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. Extra ventilation won’t hurt, only help.

 Eliminating Ice Dams
If you already have ice dams you can remove them. It is possible to chip away the hanging icicles. Use caution because this is an extremely dangerous process. In extreme cases you can use chemicals (not rock salt) to melt the excess snow and ice. You can also fill an old sock or nylon stocking leg with the chemical and lay it across the dam to melt the ice.
Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?  Send us an email at  scot.mclean3@gmail.com

 

Spring Has Sprung, But Is Your House Ready?

your-campaign-springThe snow has melted, no more snow removal service to worry about, baseball season has started, and you are already making plans for long days in the sun. But, don’t get ahead of yourself… Before you get too comfortable dreaming about that lawn chair, there are a few things you might want to take care of first.

Just like we check our home and prepare in anticipation of winter, there are some things around your house you will want to check now that the winter is over. Let’s walk through a spring home maintenance guide that will help you make sure that your home is beautiful, well-maintained, and just as ready for spring as you are.

 

Exterior Maintenance
It’s a good idea to walk around the exterior of your home to check for any possible damage that may have occurred over the winter and general wear and tear. Here are some things you should look for:

  • Gutters and Downspouts: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
  • Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting.
  • Exterior Caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all the eroding caulk and re-caulk the needed area.
  • Window Sills, Door Sills, and Thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary.
  • Window and Door Screens: Clean screening and check for holes. Holes bigger than a quarter leave plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames that are allowed to flap and move, so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers.
  • Drain Waste and Vent System: Flush out system.
  • Hot Water Heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
  • Evaporative Air Conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt.
  • Furnace: Lubricate blower motor.
  • Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete and masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a professional. If you can slide a nickel into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation, call a professional immediately.
  • Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls.
  • Decks and Porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every four to six years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn’t look like it should, or water has turned some of the wood a dark gray, hire a professional to treat your deck and fence.
  • Landscape: Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes that are touching structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home’s paint, requiring that side of the house to be repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
  • Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an area of your yard that collects too much water or doesn’t get enough, run the sprinklers to figure out the problem. If it’s not something you can fix yourself, call a professional before your lawn needs the water.

 

Interior Maintenance
Now, let’s move on to the interior of your home:

  • Basement: Check the moisture level in your basement. High moisture levels can mean inadequate ventilation and the need for a dehumidifier. You should also check for any visible signs of water damage.
  • Attic: Check your attic for any possible areas of water leakage. You will also want to check that you have proper insulation and good ventilation in the attic. Check the coverage of your insulation, that there are no bare spots. You should also make sure that your insulation is not obstructing any vents. Another thing to check for is signs of any pests that may have moved in during the winter.
  • Pipes: Check all faucets, drains and pipes. You will want to make sure that there are no signs of leaking or sweat (condensation) on any of your pipes of plumbing fixtures. You should also check to make sure that all pipe and hose connections are properly sealed.
  • Dryer Vent: Lint from dryers can cause a fire.  Detach the corrugated dryer vent from behind the dryer and either clean or replace.  Hire a professional that has tools to clean the dryer vents that are inside the walls.  If your living room walls look as though they are sweating, chances are this is because your dryer vents are clogged.
  • Foundation Walls: Look for openings/gaps/holes and seal with the appropriate sealing compound.
  • Smoke Detector: Good idea to retest again.

By using these few maintenance guidelines, you can enjoy a worry-free spring and summer knowing that your house is in good condition for the year ahead.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?  Send us an email at  scot.mclean3@gmail.com

 

Be in the Top 10: Winter Energy Saving & Comfort Tips

01Homeowners often bear through spikes in utility bills due to small things that add up over time – especially in the Winter months.

Changing simple things in a home can save money, and make your home more comfortable. It can even salvage a sale.

1. Insulate the attic trap door
Insulating and weather stripping the attic door is one of the easiest and most cost effective actions you can take. It can eliminate a large loss of energy as well as prevent moisture in your attic preventing future problems later on.

2. Lower the temperature of the water heater
Lower your water heater to the lowest comfortable setting. Storing a tank of hot water is a continuous loss of heat. Heating the water to a lower temperature can save energy. Turn the dial down on your water heater and check for comfort within the next 24 hours.

3. Set your thermostat wisely
Lowing your set temperature by 1 degree can save you up to 3% of your heating bill. During the summer leave your air conditioning set at one temperature. Refrain from turning it on and off. It removes moisture from the air making your home more comfortable

4. Insulate the band joist
The Band Joist is located above the basement wall between the first floor joists. If there is a large gap it could be allowing major heat loss. On the outside this area is near the ground and is exposed to weather. One way to tell is to look up at the area on a sunny day. If you can see the sun peaking through then you need to close that gap.

5. Weather-strip and Caulking
Do a yearly check of all the caulking near any exterior entrance including windows and doors. Eliminating drafts can save money as well as make your home more comfortable.

6. Use sealers inside storms
If you have any drafty old windows that you don’t plan on opening during winter seal them with removable caulk. It is also fairly simple and cost effective to cover windows with plastic and securely sealing the perimeter.

7. Install a low-flow showerhead
Low flow showerheads use less than 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Add a flow control valve to allow each person to be able to control his or her water pressure. This can save a lot of money on your water bill.

8. Install light controls
Install 15 min light sensors in closets, and movement sensors outside to help eliminate lights being on unnecessarily. One of the most common wastes of energy is forgetting to turn off a light switch when you are no longer in a room. In spaces like closets that can be even tricker because depending on what it’s use is and where it is located there may not be anyone to come behind you and turn it off.

9. Stop all water leaks
Fixing a leaking faucet can save both energy and water. A small drip can fill a coffee cup in approximately 10min. That same drip wastes roughly 3,280gallons of water every year. That wasting water also has energy costs attached to it in the form of being pumped, heated and treated in the sewer system. One small leak could be costing a lot.

10. Switch to florescent bulbs
Florescent light bulbs last 10 times as long, and costs a quarter of what incandescent lightbulbs while still producing the same amount of light. Florescent bulbs can be purchased to fit almost any light source.

 

Can That Bedroom Become A Home Office?

Proper Expectations for Electrical Set-Up

Home Office Inspection - MilwaukeeWith today’s growth in home-based businesses and telecommuting, having a home office has become almost essential to modern home owners. But what if your home is older and wasn’t designed with a home office space? Thinking of converting a spare bedroom into a home office or work space? Great idea! But before you get started, there are a few things you should think about.

Several factors go into creating a functional home office; good lighting, storage, a desk, and so on. However, if your home is older, you will want to think about more than the design of your home office. Today’s home office requires a lot more. You will have to plan for phone lines, fax machine, photocopier, printer, broadband, networking, high-speed Internet access, and even video/television technologies. Will the electrical set-up in your spare bedroom be able to handle the extra load needed for a home office? Let’s find out.

What’s Your Current Set-Up?

Most bedrooms in homes that are 10-30 years old have 110-volt, 100-amp electrical service. The room itself usually has three two-receptacle, 15-amp wall outlets. One of the outlets is normally controlled by a wall switch at the entry door. Does this set-up sound familiar? If the answer is yes, then you will want to properly prepare your space with an electrical set-up that will save you days of frustration and aggravation in the future.

Modifying an Existing System

Modifying an existing electrical system can be expensive, so finding a way to better manage power consumption is cheaper than adding capacity. Home-office receptacles can be increased by using a ganged receptacle box (four or six receptacles) with its own circuit breaker. The metal or plastic box is plugged into the existing outlet and the house circuit is protected by the receptacle’s breaker. These boxes can be purchased at any home center.

Two independent circuits are recommended, with one dedicated to sensitive equipment. Done at the stud-stage of construction, the cost is about $75. Waiting will cost $400-$500.

Maximum Power Requirements

Record the watts or amperes of each piece of equipment (located on the power-rating label). For incandescent lighting, read the wattage rating on the bulb; for fluorescent lighting, read the label on the fixture.

Convert all power requirements to amperes by dividing the number of watts by 110 and compare the calculated ampere to the circuit-breaker handle at the electrical panel. The more the potential load exceeds the circuit-breaker’s range, the greater the possibility of overloading the circuit.

If you plan ahead, you can make sure your home office is set-up correctly from the start. In the long run, the right electrical set-up will ensure that you can spend more time working and less time waiting or dealing with frustrating electrical problems. Your home office should be just as functional and ready for a work load as you are.

Preventing Fall Flooding

home-inspection-flooding-miwaukeeFlooding in the basement is a reality for so many families – and it can happen any time of the year.

To prevent losing clothes, family photo albums and other precious possessions, learn how to prevent flooding by checking your sump pump even before the Fall rains and leaves add more trouble.

If you have never experienced this odds are your home had one prior to you moving in. Read below to find out a few basics about this frustration saving piece of equipment.

Sump Pump Basics
A sump pump protects your home from groundwater getting into your basement. A system below the basement floor channels the water into the sump pump crock. The sump pump either lifts the water outside to surface level or into a storm sere away from your home. There are a few quick things you should know:

  • Your sump pump has a separate drainage system than the rest of your home.
  • Test your sump pump every few months. Pour water into the crock. Once the water gets about 8-12 inches the sump pump should come on. The water should be clear and have no roots or debris in it.
  • If there is a float on the end of a rod make sure the float moves easily. If the float is sticking then the pump will not run and your basement can flood.
  • If the pump is worn, rusty, or noisy it is time to replaced it. The pump should be securely mounted in the crock. The power should be directly from an outlet and not an extension cord.
  • If your pump runs more than a few times daily or runs consistently in heavy rain you may need a secondary pump to avoid flooding. The second pump should have higher water level set so that it only comes on as backup. If you live in an area that often experiences power outages consider a battery backup fir the pump system.
  • Consider installing a monitor that alerts you if the sump pump stops working. This can help avoid flooding. You get one as cheap as approximately $12 and can save yourself a lot of trouble.
  • The water detector is a small unit about the size of your palm that runs on a 9v battery. It sounds an alarm for up to 72 hours when it comes in contact with water.

Roots in your sump pump crock
Roots in your sump pump crock can be a serious problem. If roots are blocking any part of the system it could hinder water drainage and cause a flood. During cold weather this can cause horizontal movement and cracking.

Have a professional evaluate the problem. They can cut holes in the basement floor to examine the condition of the bleeders. The bleeders’ condition will indicate how sever the problem is. Before you commit to any repairs have your drain tile system evaluated. An evaluation of the drain tile system should cost about $400 and will tell you what steps to take next.

Walk the perimeter of your property to see if you can determine the source of the problem. If you have willow, Cottonwood, or Chinese Elm trees check these first as they are known to have roots spread into sewage systems. These are very common trees in the Milwaukee area, and most trees have roots that extend a little beyond it’s leaf area(crown), but these trees can extend four or more times their crown.

When to hire a contractor
If you decide to use a basement repair contractor make sure to check the references first. The contractor should completely evaluate the problem before suggesting any repairs. Consult several different contractors to ensure that you are being given correct information. Be sure that the contractor you hire belongs to the local home builders’ or professional home remodelers group.

Also consider hiring a basement repair consultant or structural engineer who works independently of repair contractors. A consultant can help you determine what actually needs to be done without getting caught in being sold expensive unnecessary repairs.

Hiring a Quality Roofing Contractor

Replacing a roof can seem daunting, but it is not nearly as problematic as some people make it seem.
We’ve created this short guide to help you navigate your next roof repair or replacement.

Roof Age and Condition
Weather, namely the sun, heat and UV light are the leading factors in aging and causing roof damage. This is especially true in Milwaukee’s climate. Knowing the impact that both factors have on a home contractors have found the average life span for a roof is 20 years. If your roof is approaching this milestone, it is wise to have it professionally inspected to head off any unwanted household damage. A hot attic, poorly ventilated and/or the roof sheathing being insulated will bake out the roofing material and shorten the useful life.

Choosing a Contractor
The contractor will provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairing or replacing your roof, which will vary based on the size of the roof, height of the house and timeframe of the project.

Depending on the contractors recommendations, you will be advised to either roof over the existing shingles or tear the roof down to the wood and install a completely new roof. Roof Over is often recommended to homeowners that only have one, flat existing root. When multiple layers already exist or if the damage is so severe, the only approved option would be stripping all shingles off and applying new shingles. Typically a warranty only applies a single layer.

  • Get a full name and street address.
  • Check on insurance: comprehensive liability and workers’ compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance.
  • Google if the contractor licensed by the state or the local municipality if required?
  • How long has the company been in business?
  • Ask for references from local jobs. Take the time to call a few references and ask about appearance, cost, quality, promptness, cleanup, and problems.
  • Ask about a performance guarantee, and verify on Yelp.
  • Will the contractor walk the roof and inspect the attic when preparing the quote to give an accurate quote and address existing conditions?
  • Will the contractor provide on-site supervision during the job and complete a walk-through with you before final payment?
  • How will the contractor protect your property during the project?
  • The contractor should be a member of a professional group of builders or remodeling contractors.

The Contract
Before you hire a contractor be sure you understand the scope and details of the agreement or contract to ensure the work and your expectations will be properly met.

  • Material selections, described in detail; type of shingle and the specific name, color and manufacturer; valley, rake edge, and vent materials; and underlayment (tar paper) for the shingles. (The manufacturer’s installation instructions must be followed). And a statement that all materials will be installed per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Details on initial deposit and progress payments. The contractor may want a partial payment when the job is started or materials are delivered. Some contractors ask for a small down payment when the contract is signed. Final payment should be made after the job is completed and inspected. A contractor should never be paid before work is completed and should never be given a substantial down payment.
  • Construction start and finish date.
  • Lien waiver requirements. When bills are submitted, the contractor should submit a form that removes the ability of the contractor and suppliers to place a lien on your property.
  • Specifications on the following: Will the shingles be removed? How will the home be protected from damage and debris? Site clean up
  • Information on how any damage to your property or your neighbors’ property will be handled.
  • Details on how your property will be protected if weather problems develop during the project.
  • Delivery and on site storage of materials does not constitute start of work.Specifications on how materials will be delivered and stored.
  • Add a clause stating that deviations from the contract require a written change order before the work is done.
  • A description of insurance covering the job. The contract should also state that you will receive a certificate of insurance before work begins.
  • Description of building permit requirements and a statement that the contractor will obtain the permit, pay for it, and ensure that a final inspection is completed.
  • Are subcontractors are to be used?
  • Warranties and guarantees from the contractor and the material manufacturer.

Final Words of Advice
Repairing a roof is no easy feat. Be patient, friendly, and openly communicate with your contractor to establish construction milestones. This will expedite the project and help make the process go more smoothly.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home? Contact Milwaukee’s top home inspector today! 

Don’t Fall behind in your Maintenance

Fall Maintenance - MilwaukeeBeing proactive includes changing the filter on the furnace, and turning off the exterior hose connection in the winter. Not changing the filter can freeze the coil and cause a very warm house. Not turning off the hose can result in a flood.

Remember that not every maintenance item will be relevant to your home so do your homework to decide what is necessary. Make sure to follow all manufacturers’ instructions regarding service. Be cautious before attempting maintenance, repairs, or inspection. Make sure to turn off power and disconnect utility services.

Daily and Weekly
Be very watchful in times of drastic weather changes. Changes in weather can have a large impact on your home. A big snowstorm can create the necessity to clear the intake and discharge vent pipes on your furnace. In periods of heavy rain it is important to make sure that gutters are clean and check the sump pump. During periods of strong winds and cool temperatures you may find that windows need to be replaced. Sudden increase in temperature may reveal problems with your central air. It is important as a home owner to realize your home communicates with you, so make sure you listen.

Fall

  • Air conditioning – Cover top of unit if desired.
  • Heating – Schedule professional service
  • Oil heat – Arrange for maintenance and oil delivery
  • Water heater – Draw sediment as needed. Check for carbon monoxide
  • Humidifier – Service, clean, change panel as needed.
  • Duct dampers – Adjust from cooling to heating if necessary.
  • High and low returns – Open low returns and close upper returns for heating season.
  • Gutters, downspouts – Clean gutters and make sure downspouts are attached and extended.
  • Roof – Visually inspect for any damage ; trim trees as necessary.
  • Roof vents – Inspect for damage and bird nests.
  • Chimney – Visually inspect for damage.
  • Sump pump – Test sump pump to make sure it removes water from the crock.
  • Exterior, general – Check the condition of paint, caulk, and putty.
  • Weatherstripping – Check and repair weatherstripping on windows and doors.
  • Exterior, grounds – Check that grading of soil and hard surfaces slopes away from the basement.
  • Basement – Check for any signs of leaks, cracks, movement, rot, mildew.
  • Crawl space – Check for adequate ventilation to remove excess moisture.
  • Plumbing – Open outside hose connection shutoff.
  • Clothes dryer – Clean lint from duct and from unit per manufacturer instructions.
  • Bathroom tile – Check grout, caulk and tile for damage.
  • Garage door – Tighten all hardware, and lubricate moving parts.
  • Fireplace – Check flute, damper, firebox.
  • Sprinklers, irrigation – Drain and service drain.
  • Room air conditioner – Remove unit, or install cover.
  • Swimming pools – Service and close.
  • Hoses – Remove from hose bibs; drain to prevent freezing.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home? Need to schedule a home inspection?

Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com

Conquering the “Dirty Dozen”

Milwaukee Home InspectorsFor most kids school is back in session. If you’re like most homeowners, you have “little home inhabitants” (aka your kids) that can help get your house in tip top shape as the new school year is underway.

TIP: Have them focus on these 12 areas we so often forget and that continue to collect dirt, dust and debris week after week.

1. Underneath and Behind Furniture
Clearly vacuuming is a common part of weekend cleaning, but it ins’t just the high traffic areas that need attention. Behind couches, under coffee tables, and even the nooks and crannies of your favorite La-Z-Boy. It’s easy to tackle these tasks. Simply breakout the attachments that came with your vacuum, and get to it.

2. Refrigerator Gaskets
Pretty much all appliances have rubber gaskets around the doors. These gaskets collect dirt, food, grease, and spilled liquids. Spray it with vinegar and water, and follow up with a wipe of with a simple cloth. Finish by wiping it off with clean water.

3. Tops of Doors and Windows
Door and window frames easily accumulate large amounts of dust. Wiping them down regularly with a simple microfiber cloth will cut down on the amount of dust that builds up. Every now and then wipe them with a simple vinegar water solution to remove all grime.

4. Infrequently Used Pots and Pans
Pot racks are a life saver when it comes to keeping infrequently used pots and pans out of the way. However they easily attract airborne grease. This makes dust stick to the pots and pans. A few times a year make sure to remove all the pots and pans, clean them in hot soapy water and rehang them.

5. Inside Heating Vents
Most homes have vents in the floor or in the baseboards. These vents collect dust, hair and dirt. Intern the heat blows the dust through your home often causing allergy irritation. Regularly cleaning these vents can cut down on airborne irritation.

6. Telephones and Call Phones
Phones are a magnet for bacteria. However, these devices can’t be cleaned with average household cleaner without risking damage to sensors and buttons. Use a cotton swab or microfiber cloth moistened with vinegar water solution should do the trick. Follow with a wipe of regular water to eliminate the smell.

7. Inside the Closet
Surprisingly the fibers from clothing play a large part can the dry in household dust. Whoever you vacuum your home make sure to vacuum the floors of your closet as well. Once or twice a year remove everything from the closet and wipe down all the surfaces inside of it.

8. Computer Keyboards
Computer keyboards attract dirt, dust, and bacteria. Every now and then pick the keyboard up, turn it upside down and shake out all the debris that has built up. Use compressed air spray to clean everything out of the nooks and crannies. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth.

9. Inside the Dryer Vent
Dryer vents collect lint buildup which can keep the dryer from working properly and can become a fire hazard. Unplug the dryer and detach the vent by unscrewing clamp that secures it to the dryer. Use a clean toilet bowl brush to clear the dust from the inside from the vent. Use a vacuum to remove the remainder of the dust.

10. Door Knobs and Handles
Even if your doorknob doesn’t look dirty it is. A quick wipe can eliminate the dirt and germs. Use an antibacterial wipe to clean off the knobs and handles all over your home.

11. Refrigerator Coils
Refrigerator and freezer coils can attract quite a bit of dirt and dust. Keep your appliances operating at peak performance and save energy by vacuuming the coils once a month. Once or twice a year wipe the coils off with a vinegar water solution. It will also reduce the need for appliance repairs in Milwaukee.

12. Remote Controls
Remote controls can sticky with germs, grease and grime. The easiest way to clean is with cotton swabs and antibacterial wipes. Remove the batteries and go over the entire remote with an antibacterial wipe. Then take a cotton swab and go around each button. Dry with a soft cloth, replaced the batteries and you’re all set.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?

Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com

Skating on Thin Ice

ice-damsThe same snow that creates good winter fun now presents a dangerous and damaging problem for your home. That very same weather can cause ice dams leading to various problems.

What is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a build up of ice along the edge of a roof. The ice prevents water from flowing off the roof. The water back up can lead to water under the roof shingles, which can penetrate several layers and eventually lead to water damage.

Spotting or identifying an ice dam is simple. Look for a bulging block of ice attached to the overhang of your roof. The pretty icicles hanging over the side of your roof are a sure sign. You may also experience rain gutters overflowing with ice.

Ice dams are typically covered with several inches of snow which could prevent you from noticing them. Under that frozen snow is melting snow and ice that can lead to water entering your home. If there is already interior damage it may be accompanied by a wet ceiling and/or wall, or water flowing into windows.

Possible Damage

Under the dam invisible damage is occurring in your attic and walls. The wood framing is wet and undoubtedly beginning to rot. Your insulation is now soaked and inefficient. This can also allow for mold, mildew, and odor problems.

The now-soaked framing and insulation will continue to cause wall damage and interior moisture problems until things finally dry out completely. Leaving these problems untreated can cause serious structural damage.

How to prevent ice dams
The damage that the melting water from an ice dam can cause is due to excess heat leaking from your home. Putting an end to the escaping heat will help cut down on potential problems.

Insulation: Properly insulate your home to ensure that you are not releasing excess heat from your home. Eliminate gaps or openings and make sure to insulate attic doors as well.

Hot Air Bypass: Seal all openings that allow for hot air to bypass into the attic. Warm air rises and will subsequently try to escape from your home. It can cause heat loss leading to rising utility costs and moisture problems in the attic. Weather strip the attic door better than any other door in the house. Also make sure that exhaust fans does not empty into the attic to avoid excess moisture.

Ventilation: Avoid blocking any vents with insulation. Increasing the ventilation will cool down your attic and eliminate unwanted moisture. the best system is a combination of low-intake ventilation and high-exhaust vents on the attic roof. There should be a minimum of 1 square feet of ventilation for every 300 square feet of attic space. Extra ventilation won’t hurt, only help.

Eliminating Ice Dams
If you already have ice dams you can remove them. It is possible to chip away the hanging icicles. Use caution because this is an extremely dangerous process. In extreme cases you can use chemicals (not rock salt) to melt the excess snow and ice. You can also fill an old sock or nylon stocking leg with the chemical and lay it across the dam to melt the ice.

Do you have a question regarding your existing or future home?

Send us an email at scot.mclean3@gmail.com