Protect Your Roof!

New York State can be a beautiful place to live in the winter but problems
can arise, so, The Partners would like to remind you to Protect Your Roof!

What causes ice dams, and how can you prevent them from happening?

Ice dams occur after a heavy snowfall is followed by very cold weather.  As 
heat escapes from your house through the attic, snow on the roof starts to melt, 
and trickle down the eaves.  An icy crust then forms, keeping the wind from blowing
snow off the roof.  This continues until a dam of ice has formed.  This ice then
expands and backs up closer to the warm roofing.  It melts again, and finds its 
way under the roof shingles.  This causes damage to the interior of your home as 
well as the roof.

You can help prevent roof and interior damage to your home by doing the following:

	Remove as much snow as possible from your roof.
	Inspect and clean your gutters regularly.
	Insulate the attic floor to help keep the attic roof cold.  Your goal should be to keep it as cold on the underside of your roof as it is outside.
	Be sure vents are not blocked, and cold air is flowing along the underside of your roof.

Remember, a cold attic does not melt snow as quickly as a warm one.

Article provided by:  New York Central Mutual Insurance Company