It's February and Winter is Officially half over!

So it hasn't been one of our worst winters on record but driving around we still see a lot of snow in people's Gutters so we want you to be aware of possible Ice Dams.
WHAT IS AN ICE DAM?
An ice dam is a wall of ice that can form on the edge of your roof. Usually forming at the gutter from melting snow, preventing melting snow to drain as it should.
This wall can cause water to back up into the house causing damage to the roof, ceilings, and insulation.
But even if you don't have gutters the Ice Dams can still form on the cold edges of the roof or in less visible areas like behind skylights or in valleys. If you have a low pitched roof even a thin layer of ice can cause a problem. Sometime its a problem that doesn't show up right away.

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Prevention:
There are things you can do to help.Check for proper attic insulation. Running electric heating wires along the eaves, and most importantly to remove the snow as soon as possible with a roof snow rake.
 Some Ice melting compounds like rock salt, we feel can damage roof color,metal flashings and plant life below.
Shovels or picks can be used successfully but have to be used very carefully.
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If you have an emergency, or before you have an emergency, Call Heritage Home Improvements Remodeling Contractors at (203) 689-5148