|
February, 1999
Protect your home from winter perils, SGI CANADA advises
Whether it’s too much snow on your roof or buildups of creosote in your chimney, winter can be a perilous time if you’re a homeowner. Fortunately, most of the hazards are easily preventable with a little maintenance.
Heavy snow loads can cause roofs to collapse if the amount of snow exceeds what the roof was designed to support. As a result, homeowners should consider having the snow removed if the buildup becomes too great.
"In past winters, sun rooms, gazebos and garages have proven especially susceptible to roof collapses," says Lorne Whippler, SGI CANADA’s Assistant Vice President, Personal Lines. "So homeowners might want to pay particular attention to those structures when assessing the snow load."
Removing snow from the roof will also guard against another common winter problem: ice damming. This occurs when melted snow freezes on the edge of the roof. These build-ups of ice can force water under the shingles and into the interior of your home, causing extensive damage. Ice damming is especially common during the freeze and thaw cycles of early spring.
"If the snow is removed from your roof you will eliminate the source of the water and prevent ice dams from forming," Whippler says. "Improving the insulation in your attic will also help prevent ice damming by keeping your attic and roof cool."
Icy walks and driveways are another peril that homeowners can avoid with a little maintenance. If someone slips on your icy walk and injures themselves, you could be held liable. Icy driveways have also caused homeowners to skid their vehicles into garage doors or the exterior of their homes.
If your walks or driveways are icy, consider sanding them to increase the traction. Scattering cat litter on walks and driveways can also make them less slippery. Chipping the ice away with a metal spade, ice scraper or lawn edger is another option, but take care not to damage your sidewalk.
Wood-burning stoves are another potential winter hazard. The chimneys and stove pipes of wood-burning stoves should be checked regularly for build-ups of creosote an oily substance that can accumulate when wood is burned. Creosote is highly flammable and deposits of only 1/8 of an inch can cause a chimney fire. Have your chimney and stove pipes cleaned a minimum of once a year, or more frequently if required, by a certified professional.
To reduce creosote build-ups, always burn "hot" fires (avoid smoldering) and only use firewood that’s been properly cured. Never burn garbage or waste paper in your wood-burning stove or fireplace doing so may cause damage through the excessive heat generated and could possibly lead to chimney fires.
For more information, contact:
Lorne Whippler
Assistant Vice President, Personal Lines
SGI
Regina
(306) 751-1898
Back to News Releases
|
