Winters in Bloomington, Minnesota and the surrounding suburbs can be hard on the roof of your home, especially when snow and ice melt and re-freeze several times. When water backs up onto the shingles on the roof, it can eventually seep into your house and cause peeling paint, sagging ceilings, and warped floors. Sometimes the ice builds up so quickly on your roof that it causes multiple ice dams. These are solid blocks of ice that build along the eaves of your home. Unattended ice dams can cause major problems, including loosening shingles and tearing gutters. Obviously, it's best to prevent these issues from developing in the first place.

Best Practices for Treating an Ice Dam 
While you might assume that using a chisel, hammer, or shovel is the best way to break up ice dams on your roof, we recommend that you avoid this. Not only are these methods dangerous for you to do on your own, they could also cause permanent damage to your roof. Throwing salt on the ice dams isn't much of a solution either, since it takes too long to melt through them and the salt could damage your roof.

If water has already seeped in through the roof, place a fan in the attic and point it in the direction of where the water is getting in. The cold air freezes the water and prevents the leak from getting worse. However, a better scenario is to pull snow off the roof with a long roof rake every time there is measurable accumulation. An adjustable-length aluminum rake works best. Also, you don’t have to worry about roof damage if the rake has wheels.

If you don't have the time or the energy to complete this task yourself, keep in mind that roof raking is just one of the winter services we offer at The Lawnsmith. Whether you require one-time roof raking or want to establish a schedule, we can accommodate you. Please contact us at your convenience to request a free estimate.

Image credit:  Maudib | iStock

Although the snow has been minimal so far this season, it won't be long before there will be enough to shovel if history is any indication. Unfortunately, many people underestimate how physically demanding snow shoveling can be and end up hurting themselves in the process. Sprains and strains are common with snow shoveling, as are heart attacks. Before you pick up a shovel and head outside, keep the following safety tips in mind:

• Use a small shovel or a snow thrower if possible. Repeatedly lifting heavy snow raises blood pressure and is extremely strenuous on the body.
   
• Take frequent breaks when shoveling a large amount of snow.
   
• Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol prior to shoveling snow. These can put extra stress on your heart and give you a false sensation of warmth.
   
• Dress appropriately for the weather by wearing layers. Additionally, wear a hat to prevent losing heat through your head.

If you experience nausea, light-headededness, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or break out in a cold sweat, stop shoveling immediately and seek medical attention. These could be indications of a heart attack. If you are normally inactive, try to get into an exercise routine before the first heavy snowfall comes and get an okay from your doctor before shoveling.

Skip the Snow Shoveling and Hire a Professional
Shoveling snow is physically exhausting as well as time-consuming. You probably have other things you would rather be doing, especially at this time of year. We offer a range of winter services at The Lawnsmith, including snow shoveling, snow plowing, roof raking, and salting. While you stay safe and warm indoors, our crew will remove the snow at your home or office and as well as perform other requested services. 
Please contact us to learn more or to request a free estimate.

Image Credit: dolgachov | iStock