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Insurable Interests
Vol.
9, Issue
7 •
March 2014
Watch Out for Damage from Ice Dams

One unfortunate consequence of a severe winter like this can be ice dams -- thick buildups of ice that can cause damage to your roof and gutters and result in water damage inside your home. If you see signs of ice dams, such as big icicles or signs of leaks, call a roofing professional. Don't try to dislodge or melt the dams yourself; you could end up doing even more damage. Plus, roofs are extremely dangerous in winter.
If you experience ice dams, you might consider taking some preventive steps once the winter is over. A disaster cleanup company with which we work offers some suggestions:
Keep your gutters clean of leaves and other debris.
Seal vent pipes, exhaust fans and other places where warm air could leak from your house to your attic, and make sure your roof and attic have sufficient ventilation and insulation.
Ensure that your soffits are not blocked.
Talk to a roofing professional about installing snow and ice slides, a rubberized ice and water shield, or heating cables to help prevent future ice dams.
If you experience damage from ice dams or if you have questions about any other insurance issue, feel free to contact us at dmiller@bensman.com, or 847-572-0820.
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