FALLING ICE & SNOW – A SAFETY ISSUE FOR YOUR OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

Falling ice and snow can wreak havoc on your outdoor above ground propane piping and meter. Ice dams can additionally damage your roof and cause leaks in your ceilings. Some preventive maintenance in your attic or roof can help.

Ice dams are formed when snow accumulates on your roof and that snow mixes with warm air escaping from your attic. The snow melt travels down your roof and re-freezes into ice and icicles on the edge of your roof and gutters. These often weigh hundreds of pounds and may drop on top of propane tanks, meters, pressure regulators, piping or unsuspecting delivery drivers. Please take the time to remove these before they cause damage or injury. Fallen ice has been known to shear gas lines causing leaks that can potentially lead to fires/explosions. If you know you have an ice problem over any propane piping or fill point, please contact us to evaluate.

You can prevent this by reducing the heat loss into your attic and roof. Almost 1/3 of your home’s heat loss comes from your attic. You can get the biggest bang for your buck by making sure you have enough insulation in your attic. Energy Star recommends R-38 to R-60 in uninsulated attics and if you have existing insulation (3-4 inches), bring it up to at least R-38.

Holes in your ceiling from recessed lighting and plumbing vent pipes are another area that can be improved. Check the type of recessed light fixture and if insulation can go over it. Some you need to build a box over the top. Also seal up areas where vent pipes go through your ceiling and roof.

Making sure that your attic and therefore your roof stays cold is a winning proposition to prevent hazardous ice dams.

If you know that your home is susceptible to ice buildup and that it could potentially fall and damage gas piping or meters, contact CES for a no cost lookover to see if we can find a safe solution.