Just wanted to pass a little advice, get a little advice, and vent a little...
We moved back to CT this fall... right into some record snowfall. Have been really focused on getting settled, heating the house (variety of wood burning stove, pellet stove, propane FP, and fuel oil boiler), and keeping 400-500' driveway clear. So... i kinda didn't pay attention to the large amount of snow on the roof and even the 6 ft icicles collecting on the house. Btw, house is a log cabin with 2 yr old roof and gutter guard system.
After reading a few scary stories and seeing some alarmist yet sage news coverage, decided to tackle the roof today (especially with ANOTHER storm brewing this week). Made some calls to look for a roof rake... that was pretty funny. New Hartford, CT Home Depot was answering the phone, "Thank you for calling the Home Depot. No, we don't have roof rakes. How may I help you?" I don't think there's a roof rake left in the state. Local hardware guy said he's sold 5-6 of them in the previous 3 years.... he's sold a 1000 in the last 2 months.
This did not deter me. With a ladder, goggles, rubber mallet, ice chisel, small prybar, pole from pole saw, steel garden rake and a few other implements of destruction, I set out to clear the snow and ice dams. First clue that i'd waited too long: on top of the icicles and ice dams, i saw some icicles and water dripping from the soffit vents.
The ice ended up coming down in chunks the size of suitcases weighing 60-100 lbs. The second clue i'd waited too long: even with gentlest of manipulation, ended taking about 5-10 shingles off and could see that almost an entire row was undermined. Likely will need to address that this spring. After 3 hrs of this, i didn't even have the strength or will to climb into the attic to access any further problems.
So, just wanted to share my story and remind people to check their roof. Also, looking for advice on avoiding this problem. My dad is recommending i rig up a couple lengths of that heated cord/coil ( something like
this ). The gutterguard system will likely prevent me from putting it into gutter but at least run a zig zag at base of roof to prevent ice dam build up. Also, should try to clear the roof more frequently (ie not before 3-4 feet build up)
Any other thoughts?
We moved back to CT this fall... right into some record snowfall. Have been really focused on getting settled, heating the house (variety of wood burning stove, pellet stove, propane FP, and fuel oil boiler), and keeping 400-500' driveway clear. So... i kinda didn't pay attention to the large amount of snow on the roof and even the 6 ft icicles collecting on the house. Btw, house is a log cabin with 2 yr old roof and gutter guard system.
After reading a few scary stories and seeing some alarmist yet sage news coverage, decided to tackle the roof today (especially with ANOTHER storm brewing this week). Made some calls to look for a roof rake... that was pretty funny. New Hartford, CT Home Depot was answering the phone, "Thank you for calling the Home Depot. No, we don't have roof rakes. How may I help you?" I don't think there's a roof rake left in the state. Local hardware guy said he's sold 5-6 of them in the previous 3 years.... he's sold a 1000 in the last 2 months.
This did not deter me. With a ladder, goggles, rubber mallet, ice chisel, small prybar, pole from pole saw, steel garden rake and a few other implements of destruction, I set out to clear the snow and ice dams. First clue that i'd waited too long: on top of the icicles and ice dams, i saw some icicles and water dripping from the soffit vents.
The ice ended up coming down in chunks the size of suitcases weighing 60-100 lbs. The second clue i'd waited too long: even with gentlest of manipulation, ended taking about 5-10 shingles off and could see that almost an entire row was undermined. Likely will need to address that this spring. After 3 hrs of this, i didn't even have the strength or will to climb into the attic to access any further problems.
So, just wanted to share my story and remind people to check their roof. Also, looking for advice on avoiding this problem. My dad is recommending i rig up a couple lengths of that heated cord/coil ( something like
this ). The gutterguard system will likely prevent me from putting it into gutter but at least run a zig zag at base of roof to prevent ice dam build up. Also, should try to clear the roof more frequently (ie not before 3-4 feet build up)
Any other thoughts?
!! I was going up there tomorrow to check it out and now there's water in the corner. I was more dilligent this year than any other in getting the snow off the first 3' but its just been a bad year. 
