As the snow begins to melt, homeowners need to act quickly to protect their investments in their homes, according to Jeff Caruso, president of Caruso Homes.
It is urgent that homeowners dig snow out of window wells and basement exterior stairwells, including drains in those spaces. Also critical: remove snow 1 to 2 feet away from outside doors, then dig a path for water to flow away.
Another problem area is the roof. Like doors and windows, roof shingles are designed to shed water and an ice dam at the gutter can cause water to back up and get under the shingles. Roof leaks caused by ice dams first show up as water stains on the ceilings and walls of the rooms. If a homeowner sees water stains or wet areas, they should contact a roofing specialist who will climb a ladder and break up the blockage or ice dam, usually near the gutter areas, to minimize the leaking.
More winter home care tips from Caruso Homes
- Keep your outside condenser unit ice-free so it can breathe and heat your home properly;
- Shovel a place for gutters to drain to when they thaw out;
- Dig drainage ditches in the snow for water to drain away from your home;
- Avoid throwing salt-based ice melt on concrete driveways, walks and porches, as salt can damage the finish of the concrete.
Valery Amador, Daily Venus Diva -- Daily Venus Diva.
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