Greg discusses safe procedures for preventing ice dams in this episode of Ask The Expert. 800 CHAB radio presents Ask the Expert with Greg Marcyniuk of Heritage Insurance located in Moose Jaw.
Here's a full transcript of the episode.
Rob Carnie: I think it's been at least a couple of years since we talked about this.
Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance on 800 CHAB's Ask the Expert today talking about ice damming and protecting ourselves against the damage. A lot of snow on a lot of roofs out there, Mr. Marcyniuk. And it's time to get that snow off the roofs to avoid the damming and the damage.
Greg Marcyniuk: That's right, Rob.
You know, we're been in the deep freeze this last winter and people aren't aware of the issues that this snow can cause. And I drive around, I see lots of roofs that have actual build up of snow right around the gutters. So you want to protect your home and minimize your risk. And, first of all, you want to clear the snow off there. I recommend hiring a contractor.
There's roofers that will go out there. There's some landscaping people that will go out and they'll actually rake that. And you want to make sure that that is all clean. And the other thing is, clear snow away. After you've got that snow away from your home's foundation, shovel so it's well away so it's going to help prevent water leaking through in the cracks in your basement.
And, again, make sure your roof and your gutters, when you've got that individual out there, make sure that that is all clear in there. Make sure your downspouts are down and away from your home and ensure the proper drainage is there. And, the other thing is, while you're doing all this, check your sump pump. Make sure it's working because we are going to get warm weather.
There's a lot of snow out there and it can certainly create a lot of problems. But if you're prepared for it, you should be good. And, again, I really recommend that you do hire a trained contractor so that they can get up there and they can do a proper job for you, and you're not gonna get up there and end up having an accident. Because those roofs are slippery, and unless you're trained in dealing with that, get out there and do it.
The other thing that I really want people to do is look at their policy and make sure that you do have ice damming protection — because not all policies do provide that coverage. So, if you're unsure, come in. Talk to any of our people here at Heritage Insurance, corner of First and Fairford, or just check us out online.
Rob: The easiest thing to do would be to make sure that the snow is clear from our roofs.
Greg: Well, that's exactly right. Mitigate your losses. Hire someone to get up there, get it cleaned off, and then that way there's no issues. The snow is going to melt and it's going to go where it belongs into your eaves, down your gutter, and onto the street.
Rob: In fact, it wasn't a week ago, I saw somebody up on a roof. A young fella but he wasn't tied to anything. He's up there walking around with snow boots and shoveling snow off of the roof and I thought, "Oh, boy, he's just asking for trouble." You could suffer serious injuries.
Greg: Oh, that's right, Rob. So, again, it's best just to hire a professional. Get it done and then that way you don't have to worry about it.
Rob: And, again, like Greg said, if you're not sure if you have that kind of coverage on your home, all you have to do is check. And, if you have your insurance at Heritage Insurance, it's as easy as a phone call or dropping in.
Greg: That's correct. Just give us a call or check us out online at nohassleinsurance.ca or come on down here.
Rob: And that's at the corner of First Avenue Northwest and Fairford Street in downtown Moose Jaw. Greg Marcyniuk, Heritage Insurance. 800 CHAB's Ask The Expert.
(Video transcription by Speechpad)