In West Virginia, home insurance provides financial protection in case of damage from some types of natural disaster. It’s important to prepare your property for the winter months to avoid some of the roof problems that can occur as a result of freezing weather.

Ice-dams around your downspouts and gutters may prevent proper drainage and if left could lead to water damage and even roof collapse. To reduce the risk of ice-dams forming, you should have your roof regularly maintained and your gutters cleared, and conduct inspections of your drainage system. Other measures include increasing ceiling insulation, installing heating cables on downspouts and gutter systems and keeping the attic space above 65ºF.

Flat and lower-sloped roofs are more prone to collapse than steeper ones. To prevent this occurring it is important to remove ice-dams and also any excess snow from the roof. According to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, for most domestic roofs the “danger” zone for snow fall is around 10-12 inches of fresh snow, 3-5 inches of packed or older snow and 1 inch of ice – since ice is heavier than snow. Removal can be done by a snow-removal contractor or by use of a snow-rake.

Keeping your roof clear and safe in freezing weather may not only help you avoid the problem of roof collapse and water damage, but it may also reduce costs and lower your West Virginia home insurance claims in the process.  
 

*