A lot of homeowners don't know what ice dams are -- until it's too late.

Ice dams are most common in northern climates. They occur when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight.

After several days of melting-freezing cycles, it's common for the melted water and ice to work up under the shingles until water enters the attic and eventually does damage to the ceilings, wall and contents. In cases where the ice dam goes unnoticed for an extended period of time, it can do significant damage to the building and its contents.

There's no way to guarantee an ice dam won't damage your home, but you can take steps to cut the chances of an ice dam forming in the first place:

• If you haven't already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks and other debris from your home's gutters and down spouts. This lets melting roof snow flow into gutters and through down spouts, just as they were designed.
  
• Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called "roof rakes" let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances for both ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.
  
• All winter long, keep gutters and down spouts clear of snow and icicles.
  
• Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree the R-value of attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow from under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the roof vents is essential to a cool, dry attic. Consult a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about these improvements.

Prevent Frozen Pipes

If you think turning the heat down in your home while you're away on vacation will save you a few dollars, think again. If your home's pipes should freeze and burst, it could end up costing thousands of dollars to repair floors and replace furniture and keepsakes. The damage could be so severe that you and your family would have to relocate while repairs are made.

By taking a few simple precautions, you can save yourself a ton of aggravation.

Here are a few simple steps to protect your home or apartment:

• Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing.
  
• Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (exterior or interior).
  
• Seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in.
  
• Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
  
• When you're away from home, set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55 degrees. Ask a friend to stop by your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing, or shut off and drain the water system.

Here are a few additional helpful tips from the National Association of Remodelers:

• Make sure your furnace is in good working order for the cold spurts. Check that the furnace filter is clean and replace it if it's not. Ensure that the thermostat and pilot light are working properly and that the pipe bringing fuel to your furnace isn't leaking or loose.
• Have your heating ducts cleaned. It's recommended that the ducts be vacuumed every five years.
• Check the caulking around doors and windows to make sure there's no cracking or peeling. Recaulking if needed prevents cold air from entering your home. Why pay a higher heating bill if you don't have to?
• Keep snow and ice from building up around the bottom of the garage door so it closes completely and doesn't warp.
• Frozen water pipes can quickly crack followed by gallons of water all over your home. Prevent this by draining your pipe's hose bibs and by keeping your heat on even when you're away from home.
• Safely drain and properly dispose of the gasoline from lawnmowers, weedwackers, and other engines that won't be used until summer.

Learn More...

Overview | Understanding The Basics | Types Of Insurance | Coverage Amounts
Choosing A Policy | Filing A Claim | Other Types Of Insurance | Home Safety Tips
Planning Concerns | Home Glossary

Please Note: The information contained in this Web site is provided solely as a source of general  information and resource.  It is a not a statement of contract and coverage may not apply in all areas or circumstances.  For a complete description of coverages, always read the insurance policy, including all endorsements.