Rain, ice, and snow = Excessive Roof Loads!

Some people are welcoming the rain in hopes that it will melt all of this snow.  The problem is that it could cause more damage to already overburden roofs!  We have been flooded (no pun intended) with calls about water getting into the house from ice dams the past few weeks.  I have been up on a laddder, cleaning my roof several times trying to get the snow off of one section of my roof that is backing up into my house. I had to call in a contractor to clean it up, because the leaking was getting worse.

Now the rain could help if it gets warm enough to melt the ice and snow.  If it freezes, it could trap more melting ice and snow, which could find it's way into your home as it tries to find it's way off of your roof.
Following some simple precautions can help. You should inspect roofs for leaks or structural defects to ensure that gutters, drains and downspouts are clear of ice and debris. Likewise, you should clear snow and ice from exhaust vents leading from the home through the exterior walls as well as clear all snow from sidewalls to prevent excessive pressure on the walls from snow mounds. Also, decks should be cleared of snow as soon as possible.

Exercise caution at all times. Be cautious of falling snow and ice. Untrained individuals should not undertake clearing snow from roofs due to the dangers of falling from heights and those associated with falling tree limbs and electrical wires. Also, the roof could be covered with a sheet of ice, making it even more hazardous.

Give us a call if you are concerned about the potential damage you could have from the weight of ice and snow.  Most home insurance policies will cover this type of claim, but not all are created equally.  Now is not the time to hear the dreaded words "sorry, you're not covered for that!"









Consult with professionals. If you notice damage to your roof or walls from the weigh of snow and ice, temporarily shore up and brace the damaged area until professional help arrives. If you are concerned about your building's condition, contact a trained professional for an assessment of the condition.



Report damage to your home. Contact your broker or Kingstone Insurance Company immediately if you have suffered storm damage to your property.



February 1, 2011



We hope you find this information helpful. Thank you for being one of Kingstone Insurance Company's Select Producers!







Thomas G. Seccia, Jr., General Manager

845-340-8316 tseccia@kingstoneic.com