With the current freeze and thaw Weyburn is receiving, homeowners are reminded to keep a close eye on the ice and snow around their houses to prevent damage. Proper drainage is necessary with spring just around the corner, particularly since nearly one foot of snow fell on the southeast two weeks ago and is starting to melt. 

"An ice dam is a layer of ice build up on a roof which prevents melted snow and ice from draining off," explained Tyler McMurchy with SGI. "The snow actually acts as a layer of insulation on the roof of your attic. When that snow melts above a warmed attic, water moves down to the cooler roof edge and soffit and then freezes."

Unless that water is allowed to drain properly, the resulting freezing can create ice dams on roofs, especially if the temperatures fluctuate between freezing and above zero.

"Ice dams can cause considerable damage to your home. Ice dams can damage the shingles and soffit on your roof. As it spreads up the roof, water eventually works its way under shingles and enters the attic. Once water enters the attic, it can damage the roof, the ceiling, walls and the contents of your home. If your ceiling insulation becomes wet, it loses insulation value and can lead to a rise of temperature of the attic which then accelerates the growth of an ice dam."

McMurchy suggested homeowners use a roof rake to get at snow on their roof and doesn't recommend homeowners climb up on their roof during the winter months.

"You don't have to rake all the way to the peak but if you get the four to six feet on to the roof, that will create conditions that will help prevent the forming of ice dams."

He also advises homeowners clear out gutters and downspouts so water can drain freely. 

"Melting snow and icy water needs somewhere to go. Clean leaves out of your downspouts and gutters in the fall and dispose of ice, snow, and gunk regularly throughout the winter. Break off any icicles that develop on the roof of your home."

McMurchy also mentioned that shovelling snow away from the house foundation will prevent flooding. 

"Keeping snow away from your foundation and making sure your property grading allows for water runoff away from your home is one of the best ways you can protect your home and prevent seepage into your basement."

"Shovel snow away from your foundation. You want to make sure that when it melts, it melts and goes away from your home and doesn't travel down the outside of your wall and find its way into your home through any cracks you may have in your foundation."

He added that seepage is not generally covered by home insurance. McMurchy recommends homeowners ensure downspouts extend past two metres away from their house.

"A little bit of maintenance, a little bit of effort right now can help prevent some very big headaches from having your basement flooded or any problems involving water getting into your home."