To say the 2022-2023 winter season has been big would be an understatement. According to statistics kept by Palisades Tahoe, March is already on the verge of surpassing 100 inches of snowfall (we are only 9 days into the month), meaning this season will be the first time in over 20 years that we have seen FOUR consecutive months with over 100 inches of snowfall. In addition to the snowfall, we have had periods of rain at times, and the existing snowpack acts like a sponge to absorb that additional moisture, increasing the weight of the snow load.
With more inclement weather in the forecast, many homeowners are concerned about the effects this winter is having on their property, and rightfully so. There are many concerns to keep an eye on during these storm cycles including snow load on roofs, snow and ice surrounding gas lines and propane tank management, just to name a few. Fortunately, there are precautions you can take to protect your property, and yourself, during these times.
First, removing snow from your roof is vital to manage the stress on the frame of the home as well as to prevent ‘ice damming’, where water builds up behind the ice that accumulates on the eaves of the roof. This water is the product of snowmelt that happens as a result of gaps in the insulation of the home. The water melts and pools against the dam of ice on the eave, only to freeze overnight and melt again the next day. This constant expansion and contraction can destroy the shingles on the roof and allow water to penetrate the structure. SEE THE LINK HERE TO UNDERSTAND HOW ICE DAMS FORM AND HOW YOU CAN MITIGATE THE POTENTIAL ISSUES.
If you have a roof with a steeper pitch, you may be able to pull the snow off the eaves with a snow rake, which will prevent liquid from building up and forming ice dams. In the event you have a roofline that is more level and does not shed naturally, the best option is to shovel as much snow as safely possible off of your roof. There are numerous companies and handymen that perform this task in the event you are uncomfortable or unavailable to do so yourself. The cost can run anywhere from $50-$75/hour per shoveler. IF YOU ARE IN NEED OF SNOW SHOVELING SERVICES, PLEASE REACH OUT TO OUR TEAM PHONE AT 530.536.0958 AND WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH SOMEONE TO HELP.
Removing the snow from your roof should be a primary concern, but there are additional items to monitor as we navigate this unprecedented winter season. Most houses have an exterior 240V power service drop which brings electricity to your home from the grid. Make sure you know where your power drop is and be sure to avoid it with shovels and ladders to avoid the risk of electrocution. Additionally, gas meters and intake lines are susceptible to ice and snow buildup if they are not properly housed or covered on the exterior of your home. A broken gas line can cause a carbon monoxide leak in the home, which has been happening recently as North Tahoe Fire has seen an alarming rise in calls regarding carbon monoxide exposure. NORTH TAHOE FIRE HAS SHARED A VERY INFORMATIVE FACEBOOK POST THAT YOU CAN ACCESS HERE, WHICH HELPS DETAIL HOW TO PREVENT A GAS LEAK, ALSO HOW TO NOTICE AN ACTIVE ONE.
Managing your property in snow country during big storm cycles can seem daunting, but knowing what to look out and performing these tasks routinely throughout the winter can help protect your property and your family. If you have any concerns regarding your Lake Tahoe property this Winter, please reach out to The Moore Team and we can help get your sorted and on your way to enjoying nature’s bounty.
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