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Sunday...You Thinkin' What I'm Thinkin'??
I spent three hours this morning taking snow and ice off my parents' roof to stop the water from making it's way into their kitchen. First things first, if you know my parents you need to email, text or call them to give them a hard time because they are in Florida. Enough said about that.
Sunday's weather report predicts warmer temps and rain. Not a welcomed thought to those that are wrestling with ice dams. As you can imagine, we have had a number of calls this week regarding snow removal off roofs, hiring contractors, and if coverage applies. I have put together a few articles that should answer your questions and give you some good advice on removing snow from your roof safely.
Don't forget that roofs are not the only concern. With the snow melt you can expect to see alot of water. Do yourself a favor and dig out the drain in your street so it will handle the run off.
If you missed the last email about ice dams 101, here is a link:
We are here to assist you in the event of a loss. Give us a call if we can help.
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Regards,
Edward P. Hackett, CIC CRM
Vice-President
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 Snow Removal Do's and Don'ts
Getting the snow and ice off your roof is a concern for many. Some have tackled it themselves, others have hired contractors. Here are some tips for either option: DIY tips Use caution when up on a ladder. It will often rest on ice or have the potential for ice to come crashing down on you. Generally not a good idea to get up on a ladder. Leave that to the pros. Chipping ice can also damage gutters, roof tiles and siding. Use a rubber mallet or chip small amounts of ice with a hammer. Be aware of your surroundings. If there is a walkway or sidewalk near the roof line, take extra caution to make sure no one walking by gets hurt. Ice will travel in the direction of your hammer. Take extra caution around windows as large chunks of ice could go right through them or, worse, your hammer will end up in your living room. Snow rakes work best. If you use a shovel from a window or balcony, push the snow in the same direction as the shingles - towards the roof line. If you shovel in an upward direction you may damage the shingles. DIY guy + roof torch = bad idea Contractor Tips People are getting scammed. Only do business with a contractor that was referred by someone else. Do not give them cash - especially if they promise to come back to complete the work later. Trust the professionals. Look for contractors that have lettering on their vehicles or are known in your community. Do not use people going door-to-door. It's best to ask for a certificate of insurance to prove they have workers comp and general liability. Do not accept a sample certificate. It should come from an insurance agent and have your name and address on the bottom. Should a worker fall off the roof and there is no workers comp, you are liable. If there is any damage to your home as a result of their workmanship, there is also no coverage on your homeowners or business owners policy for that. Better to have proof of coverage with a certificate. Ask around about pricing. I have heard anywhere from $500 to $2000 depending on the roof size. Take the time to find a reputable contractor with reasonable rates. |
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Is it Covered?
Removal of snow and ice on a roof as a preventative measure is not covered. There is a chance the the removal of snow and ice from the affected area may be covered. So if you have your entire roof cleared for $500 and you submit a claim for damage to the interior of your home that is over your deductible, there may be an allowance for clearing the portion of the roof that was causing the damage - not the whole roof.
Every claim is different. so know that there might be some relief should you have a covered loss.
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