Compliments of:
David Fialk, REALTOR

 Choice Realty Co.

732-283-3400 Office Direct

For more detailed information, click this link to view statistics from the Multiple Listing System, with sale price comparisons to 2010!

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  Tips on Using Salt to Melt Ice Safely Around Your Home

  We all know salt melts ice, but some deicers can be harmful to pets, plants, and our water supply. Here are some tips on choosing deicers. Read

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  Snow Shoveling: Tools, Techniques, and Tips to Save Your Back

  Shoveling is hard enough. Don't compound the drudgery with the wrong shovel and bad shoveling techniques, both of which can put a serious strain on your back and even your heart. Read

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  Home Snow Removal: Tips on Choosing the Right Snow Blower

  The song says "let it snow" but for home owners, that snow has got to go! For home snow removal tasks, electric and gas-powered snow blowers are just the ticket. Here's what you need to know to choose the right snow removal tool for your area. Read

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  When Snow Removal from Your Roof is Necessary, Plus Safety Tips

  Snow removal from roofs is rarely necessary, but when it is, it's a dangerous job. Tips and advice about what to do when your roof is loaded with snow. Read

Ice dams occur when heat escaping through an under-insulated and poorly ventilated attic melts the layer of snow resting on the roof. Water flows down the roof beneath the snow layer and remains insulated by the snow until it reaches the lower areas of the roof where it re-freezes. As the cycle repeats itself, the ice at the eaves builds to form a dam that prevents the water from draining off the roof. Eventually the water backs up under the shingles and can seep through the roof deck and attic into the rooms below.

The result, insulation material becomes soaked and anything susceptible to water damage including wood framing, siding, wallboard, paint and wallpaper is potentially ruined. Ice dams can also lead to mold concerns.

How can ice dams be prevented? At one time, attempting to melt the ice along the eaves using electric heating coils was thought to be the answer for ice dams. However, subsequent studies and long-term experience with the use of heating cables, indicates that maintaining a 'cold roof' often is the most effective way to prevent ice dams and the resultant damage.

By improving insulation and ventilation, heat from the house that could contribute to rapid snow melt doesn't make its way to the attic. Having good air flow from the outside helps move out any heat that does build up, so that the underside of the roof stays cold and the snow melts very slowly and uniformly from the ridge of the roof down to the eaves.

To reduce the possibility of ice dams forming:

• Clean all leaves and other debris from roof valleys, gutters and downspouts before a snowfall.
• Install additional attic insulation so the thermal resistance or R-value matches that recommended by the local utility or required in new energy codes. Homes built before the 1970s, where the insulation has not been upgraded to appropriate levels or was not properly installed, are prime candidates for the formation of ice dams.
• Consider attic ventilation provisions. If necessary, add more ventilation to keep the underside of the roof deck (sheathing) cool and dry to reduce the rate of snow. Vents may be needed at the lower edges of the roof (eave area) and roof ridge for optimum air circulation.

If this does not correct your ice dam problems, consult with a reputable roofing and/or insulation contractor about making improvements.

Note: These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.

  

Overloaded outlets and electrical extension cords can cause a fire or electrocution danger. The proliferation of modern electric appliances, computers and other electronic devices has increased the potential safety concerns for all homeowners.
 

Electrical cords must be the proper wire size for the load they serve. Overloaded cords will become hot and can start a fire. Avoid permanent use of extension cords. Appliance cords and extension cords are susceptible to physical damage from foot traffic, furniture, house pets, swinging doors and many other causes so protect them from damage.

Use electric cords safely:

• Never overload electrical cords or power strips. Electrical cords and power strips have a designated load capacity
• Be sure the total amount of energy used by appliances and lights plugged into the strip does not exceed that capacity.
• Use only listed power strips that have integral overload protection and have been tested by a product safety laboratory.
• Don't use appliances that have damaged cords.
• Extension cords should not be used as a substitute for permanently wired outlets or with regularly used appliances or devices.
• Electric codes now require the installation of Arc-fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) on new electric circuits. This is a type circuit breaker that provides protection from electric hazards such as worn or damaged electric cords. Consider adding then in your own home for improved safety. If they are already present, they should be tested periodically to ensure proper operation.

Note: These tips are only general guidelines. Since each situation is different, contact a professional if you have questions about a specific issue. More home safety and maintenance information is available online at www.housemaster.com.