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f e b r u a r y 2 0 1 9
www.CLINTONTWPNEWSLETTER.com
P R E V E N T I N G I C E D A M S
by Anne Thornton, President, MSI Plumbing & Remodeling
Q: What are ice dams?
A: Blockages of ice that can form anywhere on your roof. Ice dams prevent
melted water from flowing downward off the roof. When this happens water begins
to go backwards up beneath your shingles, tile, slates, shakes, etc. Ice dams form
in periods of heavy freezing rain and/or moderate or heavy snow conditions with
an air temperature significantly below freezing. It is almost impossible to stop
them from forming.
Q: Can I stop the leaks caused by ice dams?
A: Because it is virtually impossible to stop ice dams from forming,
the best solution is to try and stop the water infiltration caused by them by using
rubberized ice and water shield products. These products work by creating a solid
barrier to water wherever they are applied. It is similar to shrink wrapping that
portion of your roof. When applied according to manufacturer's specifications all
of them can be highly effective in preventing leakage from ice damming. Sunlight
will harm these products, so they must be covered by appropriate roofing materials.
In ice dam situations, most leaking occurs within three feet of the gutter
line. Because of this, you generally do not have to cover the entire roof with these
products. However, low slope roofs, shaded roofs, and roofs that have a northern
exposure are candidates for complete coverage. Consult with the manufacturer or
a professional roofer for your particular situation.
Q: Are there things I shouldn't do about ice dams?
A: YES!
• Do not try and remove snow from the roof. It can lead to shingle damage.
• Do not attempt to "chip away" the ice of an ice dam because it will also
lead to shingle damage.
• Do not install mechanical equipment or water heaters in attics,
especially in cold climates.
• Do not use salt or calcium chloride to melt snow on a roof. These
chemicals are very corrosive and can shorten the life of metal gutters, downspouts
and flashings. Runoff that contains high concentrations of these chemicals can
damage nearby grass and plants.
Keeping the gutters clean of leaves will not reduce the occurrence of
ice dams, however, clean gutters can keep them from overflowing and
spilling rainwater next to the house which can cause moisture problems
inside the house.
For more information about home maintenance, installing water-efficient
appliances, remodeling and improving your home, please visit us at our office,
give us a call or visit us online. MSI Plumbing & Remodeling, 908.735.4438.
www.MSIPlumbingAndRemodeling.com.
www.MSIPlumbingAndRemodeling.com
1109 Rte. 31 S.
Lebanon, NJ 08833
New Jersey Licensed
Master Plumber #8722
908.735.4438
Your Plumbing
Experts!
♥
T h I N k S u M M E R !
The summer of 2019 marks Winnewald Day Camp's 68th year of providing
memories for children 5-13 years of age! Currently we are accepting enrollments
and interviewing staff. Interested high school seniors, college students and teachers
are encouraged to apply online or email: winneday@ptd.net. Available positions
include division leader, nature, arts & crafts, lifeguards (will train) and group
counselors.
Winnewald is family owned and operated and offers campers Red Cross
swim lessons in heated pools, arts & crafts, music, fishing, hiking, sports, archery and
more in a safe outdoor natural setting. For an informational packet and to schedule a
tour, contact us at: winneday@ptd.net. Visit us at www.Winnewald.com.
Call Vicki
Tuschak!
www.bhhsnj.com/vicki.tuschak
vtuschak@yahoo.com
office: 908.735.9700
cell: 908.334.2164
Your Clinton Township and
Beaver Brook Expert! And YES...
I live in Beaver Brook!
NEW YEAR, NEW HOME!
