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Had Enough Yet?

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Jazz Inc., Brokerage

Wow, this is some winter we are having in Oshawa - in fact in all of the Durham Region and the City of Kawartha Lakes...with near record snow falls, it's important to remember, Deep Snow Can Mean Deep Trouble!

Every winter, many roofs collapse due to heavy snow or ice. Add rain or heavy, wet snowfalls on top and you've got a dangerous combination. Often roofs collapse suddenly, giving occupants little, if any, warning to evacuate the building.

Roof collapse can happen on new or old buildings alike and cause extensive damage to the building and contents. Low pitched, flat roofs are most susceptible to collapses.

Most roof designs can handle snow loads of 20-40lbs per square foot, but as the chart below shows, packed snow with ice can easily overload a roof.

Watch for ice build-up on the edge and valleys of your roof. When heat escapes through your attic, it melts the snow. When this water freezes at the edge of your roof, it forms an ice dam and allows water to back up and enter the building under the shingles and wood sheathing. In addition to adding extra weight to your roof, ice dams can cause extensive water damage inside.

Excessive accumulations of snow and ice will require removal.

For safe removal that won't endanger you or damage your roof, consult a roofing contractor. Be certain the contractor is adequately covered by WSIB (Workers Compensation) and provides you with a current liability insurance certificate.

If you are removing the snow on your own, be very careful, as the roof can be very slippery!

1) Choose a pair of boots with excellent traction

2) Choose a proper shovel. A plastic bucket (scoop) shovel with a large handle is best to scoop and slide the snow off the roof.

3) Don't pick or chip at ice near the roof surface or dig deep as you might damage the shingles and shorten the life-span of the roof.

4) Do not pile all of the snow in one area before removing it. This may overstress that section of the roof causing it to collapse.

5) Be safe, not sorry. Consider your options carefully.

For more valuable information for homeowners, buyers and sellers, please visit my website at www.dmandzuk.ca

Posted by

Dianna Mandzuk

Sales Representative

 

RE/Max Circle of Legends Award Recipient

(One of RE/Max's Highest level of Performance Achievement Awards)

Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

Canadian Staging Professional

30 years serving your real estate needs!

RE/Max Jazz Inc., Brokerage

Each Office Independently Owned & Operated

Direct 905-433-2579

Office 905-728-1600

www.dmandzuk.ca

dianna@dmandzuk.ca

 

P.S. We're never too busy for your referrals!

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