More than its sloped counterparts, a flat roof is prone to damage caused by snow loads. By design, it will catch anything, be it snow, rainwater or debris, on its surface. If your garage or any part of your home has a flat roof, here are the issues you may be looking into come winter:

1.  Possible Collapse

An unusually heavy snow fall that dumps several inches of snow should be a cause for concern. Flat roofs are not made to support the extra weight and for areas frequented by storms, they are especially vulnerable.

2.  Insurance Clause

If you check your insurance closely, you may be end up being liable for snow damage when you delay calling your contractor for rooftop snow removal.

3.  Fire

Any attempt by the homeowner to melt the pile of snow, like blasting heat into the attic or improperly laying down of heating cables may end up to be a fire hazard and cause more loss to the home

4.  Damaged Shingles

Those who are handy with the rakes and chisel may also consider climbing up and cleaning the roof of snow. Working too close enough to the shingles, if your flat roof has them, may result to having you strip them off without knowing.

Source: Theday.com

To many homeowners who have to contend with rain water pooling or snow loads piling up during the winter due to their flat roofs, they need not fret over the cost of replacing their roof when it becomes damaged beyond the point of repair.  With the use of an EPDM roofing sheet, your flat roof can be more protected from the elements. Despite its reputation of being more prone to leaking as compared to a sloping roof, a flat roof and its issues can be remedied by either restoring it or re-covering it.

Buying more years

To see your flat roof last for about 5 to 10 years more, you can opt to leave the original EPDM sheet on and just reinforce or replace the roof’s flashings and seams. This type of job is ideal especially if you are not suffering from any existing water damage due to leaks.

Addressing more serious issues

If your area is frequented by wind and hail or if you wish to replace your drainage system and avail the additional benefit of a cooler home, you can look into an EPDM re-covering job. This route will still save you about 50% of the cost for replacing your roof altogether.

Source: About-roofing.com

Prevent Basement Flooding Caused by Spring Thaws

The winter of 2010-2011 brought record snow falls and colder than normal temperatures to much of the United States, but thankfully relief from springtime is just around the corner.  Homeowners looking forward to winter’s end and green lawns should also prepare for the unfortunate side effect of melting snow and ice – basement flooding.  Heavy rainfall and rapidly melting snow during a spring thaw are primary causes of wet basements, however, there are steps you can take now to reduce damage.

Clear snow away from the house – Melting snow piled up around the perimeter of your house will run down basement walls, so get out your shovel and move it back 3-5 feet.

Clean out gutters and downspouts – Remove snow, ice and debris from your roof and gutters so water can move freely away from the foundation of your home.  Properly designed gutters and downspouts should move water at least three feet away from the house to a well-drained area.  For tips on how to clear your gutters, see http://www.ehow.com/how_6401643_remove-ice-dams-gutters.html.

Check your sump pump – Basements prone to flooding should be equipped with a sump pump to draw water out of the basement and away from the house.  If your home has a sump pump, make sure the intake valve is not blocked and the sump pit is clean.  Test it by pouring water into the pit and checking that the outflow discharges away from the house.  Consider installing a sump pump if your home has a history of flooding.

Get peace of mind with a water alarm – A water alarm and flood sensor will alert you of water in the basement before extensive damage is done.  There are a range of affordable water alarm systems available that will alert you via an audible siren and/or a phone call to one or more pre-programmed telephone numbers.

Move valuables to higher ground – Basements are a great place to store seldom used items, but recognize that everything stored down there is at risk.  Moisture, mold and water damage are constant threats.   Anything stored in a basement should be moved off the ground and onto a shelf unless it is waterproof, and important papers and valuable property should be relocated to an upstairs room, closet or attic.

These simple steps can help prevent thousands of dollars of water damage caused by basement flooding.  So protect your house and belongings and go through this checklist before the spring thaw (and deluge of water) arrives!

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5 Things To Consider When Choosing A Snow Removal Company

If you are looking for a good company to handle your snow removal tasks, there are several things you will have to look at to make sure that you choose the right company for the job.

Below are some of the things that you have to consider:

Understand Your Needs

You will have to clearly understand what you want the company to do for you. Set out the tasks you want to be performed and the specific areas where you want them performed. After you have done this, set out to look for that particular company that will best meet your needs.

The Price

The best thing for you will not only be finding good services but also finding those services which you can comfortably pay for. Although sometimes the cheapest offer is not the best, you will have to choose a company which will provide a balance between your financial capabilities and good quality services. It is wise to compare prices of several companies before settling for a particular one.

Physical Address

A good snow removal company will always be reachable through a physical address. You should note that there are several dubious companies that will operate from unscrupulous locations and who may disappear after you have entered into an agreement and paid for the services. To find a good company, get reliable information from people you know who have used the company, compare the information and settle for the one which fits your requirements.

Have Written Agreements

It will be wise of you to have every agreement reached between you and your preferred company put down in writing and signed by both parties. This makes the agreement legally binding and therefore, the company will have no option but to meet their part of the agreement least you pursue legal action against them for failing to do so. Also remember to read through the agreement before you sign it. Watch out for clauses that might be unreasonable.

The Equipment

You will have to find out the type of equipment that the company uses to perform their tasks and ascertain whether that equipment will be appropriate for the job you want done. Some companies may use ancient equipment and technology that may bring about inconveniences such as extension of the time of operation. You will have to go for a company that will provide services within the required time frame.

You can find all you need from a Snow Removal company if you contract the interstate removal company from Forest Lake, Minnesota. This company applies a collaborative approach to understand your needs and find a way of meeting and exceeding your expectations.

They have quality equipment and professional staff to handle all your requirements. You can visit them at their physical location or access them through the website www.interstatepm.com.

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Tom Anderson