Watch the video above: Ice damming on roofs poses risks to homeowners
SASKATOON – When it’s this cold for this long, rooftop ice damming is probably the last thing on people’s minds.
With temperatures expected to warm up this weekend, it poses a greater risk to local roofs and homes.
In a deep freeze, cranking the heat up and staying warm is top priority. But with so much warmth, the potential for heat loss can wreak havoc on a roof, causing ice damning.
“What happens if you don’t have proper ventilation, the snow that’s on the shingles is what starts to melt under the snow,” said Stuart Regush, Great Canadian Roofing Saskatoon branch general manager.
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“You’ll never see it and it slowly rides down the slope of your roof tell it hits the bottom two feet normally on most houses and once it hits that point it starts to freeze and that’s when it builds up and starts to ice dam.”
The constant freeze/thaw last winter saw a spike across the province in the number of ice dam claims reported to SGI. There were over 2,600, compared to 28 in 2012.
The steady cold this year has helped out but with temperatures expected to warm up towards the end of the week it can be problematic.
MORE: Extreme cold explained and when Saskatoon will catch a break
Removing snow from roofs, having attics insulated and checking soffits can help prevent ice damming.
“One thing you do not want to do is put ice salt on your roof, there’s people doing that, that will definitely void your warranty,” said Regush.
This cold can also prove deadly. Accumulation of snow, ice and other debris blocking external intakes to a furnace can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services responded to 317 incidents related to either the sounding of CO detectors or someone having the symptoms of CO poisoning in 2013.
It’s recommended to check external intakes routinely.
For more information on ice damming or to find out if you’re covered it’s best to contact your insurance broker.
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