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HOME & ENERGY - Wednesday, October 18, 2006 Page 5 How to deal with ice dams n ice dam is exactly what the name implies-- a blockage of ice at the edge of a roof that dams up and blocks the water behind it. Ice dams are caused by snow melting from the roof and the melting water that flows down to the edge. When the temperatures turn cold, the water freezes and begins to builds up. If this happens often enough, the result can damage roofs and lead to water damage inside and outside your home. Generally, a warm attic (which leads to snow melt on the roof) and colder eaves (which allow for freezing and refreezing) are to blame. If the water building up behind the dam gets high enough, it can be forced under the shingles and leak into the house. Be on the lookout for water leaking from window trim or for wet spots on the ceiling close to the walls. Even one occurrence can result in stained woodwork and drywall. Repeated leaks can rot wooden parts of the roof and house frame. Getting the snow and ice off the roof will stop ice dams from forming and keep your home safe from leaks. The easiest (and least expensive) way to do this is with a snow shovel or rake to pull or push the snow and ice away. While it may result in a face full of snow, it's a quick fix that can be used until a better solution can be obtained. Be careful and use the proper precautions if you have to climb on the roof to accomplish this. Keeping your attic cool or a constant temperature is one crucial way you can deal with ice dams. Adding insulation to the attic floor up to about R 45-50 will help, too. Seal any floor openings before A you insulate, and caulk around pipe and wiring openings. Once you've insulated, you need to eliminate moisture and condensation that gets into the attic. That's where ventilation comes in. The minimum recommended ventilation is one square foot for every 150 square feet of attic floor space. Adding more than this helps. Continuous soffit vents and ridge vents are the best choice. Attic fans will not help as they pull air and moisture from the house into the attic, creating a new source of condensation in the attic. If your roof design or attic layout makes insulation impractical, consider installing metal flashing along the eaves and on the roof above the attic. This will cover the area where ice forms and also serve to let the snow and ice slide off the roof. It will also help prevent water from flowing up the roofing, thus helping to prevent ice dams. A metal roof, while expensive, will also eliminate ice dams. The ice and snow can slide off easily and there are no horizontal seams for water to infiltrate. Another practical option is to run electricity along the eaves to melt snow and ice. This "heat tracing" is relatively easy to buy and install. And because you only need to use it when an ice dam is forming, it doesn't significantly add to your utility bill. While nobody really likes to go out and work on the house in the winter, some things can't be done at any other time. And unless you prepare in advance for the prevention of ice dams, you really don't have any other choice than to go outside. --By Bob Grimson, special Make Your Move Carefree Living. Country Views. Now Under Construction Act Now to reserve your suite Georgetown's Premium 60 plus living 7 Unique Suite Plans (830 to 1354 sq. ft.) Ravine Views, Walking Trails, Fireplace Lounges, Garden Terrace, Guest Suite, Library, Fitness/Wellness Centre, Amenities Plus! Visit our Sales Centre, Georgetown Marketplace Mall www.bennettvillage.ca 905.702.1247 nual 5th An CANADIAN Join us at the SHOW home & country See the winning pink ribbon design "Reflection" by Carolyn Taylor of Hamilton The Show offers visitors a unique shopping experience showcasing everything from great gift ideas to informative and fun decorating and DIY seminars. WE WELCOME YOUR SUPPORT. Carpet Barn Carpet One is joining the fight against breast cancer with a cause-related fund-raising campaign, Carpet One Welcomes Your Support. Carpet Barn will donate profits from sales of the specially-designed welcome mats to its local Canadian Cancer Society Paws Only (CCS) chapter. Consumers can support the cause by purchasing a welcome mat, each emblazoned with a pink ribbon symbolizing the breast cancer campaign. Made of plush nylon, the welcome mats are water and stain resistant, machine-washable and can be used both indoors and out. October 26-29, 2006 Automotive Building, Exhibition Place 9 designs to choose from while supplies last. only Be sure to stop by the "Show Home" & stages to see flooring donated by Carpet One Floor & Home! $34.99 Four Seasons Flower Power CALL US FOR YOUR "FREE" IN-HOME ESTIMATE CARPET BARN carpetone.ca · 1-800-CARPET-1 26 Guelph St, Georgetown · 905 877-9896 (Downtown Georgetown) The ONE store for your perfect floor.TM Details in store or at www.carpetone.com Contest runs Oct. 1-Nov. 27, 2006.