KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – ICE DAMMING
With all the snow and ice we've been having lately, ice damming can really cause problems with the roofs on our houses. In the winter ice forms in the gutters and prevents good flow of water when we do get some thawing. Ice forms and creeps up the roof from the gutter. The ice can then creep under the shingles and even let water in the house, damaging ceilings and walls.
While it's not feasible right now, a good fix is to have ice sheathing installed when you do the roof. This is a rubberized material that forms a barrier to any water. The average width is around 4 feet, but you should cover any roof area not heated from underneath.
So what can you do instead of purchasing a new roof? You can buy heat tape specially made for gutters. A cheaper and easier fix is to prevent the ice from taking hold. Always knock down icicles before they get too big. If you can reach the gutter from the ground sweep off as much snow as you can. Fill a nylon stocking with sidewalk salt, place it along the top of the gutter. The salt will slowly melt a path through the gutter for water to flow. Sharply rapping on the downspout will sometimes loosen the ice enough enabling water to flow.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
