Snow can be pretty, but it can also be problematic. Those who live in places that regularly get snow realize that they will have to remove snow from their cars and driveways. State Farm points out that that it is a good idea to take the time to remove the snow from the roof of your home, too.
When I was really young, I remember a time when my family experienced a Midwestern blizzard. Snow piled up higher than I’d ever seen it before (or since). My father used a rake to knock snow from the roof. Once he cleared a path, he climbed up there with a snow shovel, and proceeded to shovel the …. roof.
At the time, his fear was that the massive amounts of snow that had piled up on the roof would weigh enough to make the roof cave in. As I mentioned, I was a small child at the time the blizzard occurred, so I have no idea if my parents had homeowners insurance or not. If they didn’t, and the roof fell in, that would have generated more expenses than we could afford to pay for.
State Farm points out that excessive snow and ice buildup can result in property damage. It can also result in personal injury. For example, if my father would have slipped while he was up on the icy, snowy, roof of the house, he could have fallen off and gotten severely injured. I think he might have had a health insurance policy at the time.
What can massive amounts of snow and ice on your roof do?
According to State Farm it can:
* Cause your roof to collapse (especially if it is a flat roof)
* Cause carbon monoxide poisoning (if the snow blocks chimneys and vents)
* Cause water damage from ice dams that form on the edges of the roof and in the gutters
It can cause injures. People can slip and fall off the roof as they are trying to clear it. People can overextend themselves from lifting the snow while shoveling it. People can slip and sprain or break an ankle. The list goes on. Be very careful if you are going to remove the snow yourself. It’s not a bad idea to consider having a professional company remove it for you.
Now is a good time to contact your insurance company and ask some questions. Does your homeowners policy cover damage from winter weather? Find out what it covers, and what it does not.
Image by budandjackie on Flickr