What Are Ice Dams & How to Prevent Them

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You may be feeling warm in your home as the snow serenely falls outside. But, up on your roof, a dangerous situation could be forming – one that can compromise your roof and lead to water damage inside your home. It’s all the result of an ice dam. In this blog, we’ll discuss what is an ice dam, and how to avoid one which can save you money in the long run.

What Is an Ice Dam?

An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms along the edge of your roof and prevents snow melt from running off. It often occurs because heat from the attic warms the middle of your roof, causing snow to melt. When that runoff reaches the eaves, or overhang, of your roof, the cooler surface temperature (there’s no heat rising from inside your home to this part of the roof) can cause the water to refreeze. As this happens over and over, an ice dam forms, preventing melted snow from running off your roof.

Do Ice Dams Cause Damage?

Yes, ice dams cause the water from melted snow to back up under the shingles of your roof and into your home – the water doesn’t have anywhere else to go. This can damage your roof, not to mention your interior. And, remember, water damage can lead to toxic mold inside your home.

How Can I Prevent Ice Dams?

An easy way to help prevent ice dams is to keep your eaves, gutters, downspouts and drains clear. This way water can drain away from your home as snow melts on your roof. It’s ideal to have your gutters cleaned out before snow season even begins. While you’re at it, install gutter screens for added protection.

Here are some other ways to help prevent ice dams:

  • Keep your attic cool. Proper insulation between your living areas and attic will help keep warm air from escaping into your attic and warming your roof. Ideally, during a snow storm, your attic won’t be more than 10 degrees warmer than the temperature outside.
  • Remove snow with a roof rake. Only if you can safely do so, remove accumulated snow from your roof using a long-handled roof rake, a specialized tool for clearing roofs, that won’t damage your roofing material. Do this from the ground. Never climb on top of a snowy roof.
  • Update your roof with materials that help prevent ice dams. These include a rubberized, water-repellant membrane underneath the shingles and a heating cable along the eaves. For either installation, consult a professional.

Ice dams may not be the first thing you think about once the snow stops coming down. After all, there’s the sidewalk and driveway to clear. But, for the sake of your roof and the integrity of your overall home, it’s important to keep an eye out for this winter roof danger.

So, how can you spot ice dams? Icicles may be a sign of ice dams, a buildup of snow and ice along your eaves that blocks water runoff. Discolored ceilings or walls may indicate that your ice dam has turned into a leak. Remember, in the midst of this harsh winter, it’s important to keep your gutters clear, your roof updated and an eye out for the signs of ice dams. If you suspect trouble, call a trusted roofing contractor at once.

Why Sewer Pipes Break

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Sewer pipes play a crucial role in our plumbing systems, transporting wastewater away from our homes and businesses. However, these underground pipes are not immune to damage. Cracks in sewer pipes can lead to significant problems, including leaks, blockages, and costly water damage restoration. In this blog, we’ll explore the main reasons why sewer pipes crack and what homeowners can do to prevent these issues.

Age and Wear

One of the most common reasons sewer pipes crack is simply due to age. Most sewer pipes have a lifespan of 50 to 100 years, depending on the material. Over time, natural wear and tear can weaken the pipe walls, making them more susceptible to cracking. Older pipes made from materials like clay or cast iron are particularly vulnerable.

Soil Movement

Soil movement is another significant factor that can lead to cracked sewer pipes. Changes in soil composition, settling, or erosion can put pressure on pipes, especially if they are installed too shallowly. Additionally, tree roots can grow into pipes, exerting pressure and causing cracks or blockages.

Improper Installation

If sewer pipes are not installed correctly, they can be prone to damage. Poorly aligned pipes, inadequate support, or improper backfilling can lead to stress and cracking over time. It’s crucial to have professional installation to ensure pipes are laid at the right depth and angle.

Extreme Weather Conditions

Extreme weather, such as heavy rain, freezing temperatures, and prolonged drought, can impact the integrity of sewer pipes. Heavy rain can saturate the soil, leading to erosion and shifting, while freezing temperatures can cause the ground to expand and contract, putting pressure on the pipes.

Corrosion

Certain materials, especially metal pipes, can corrode over time. Factors such as soil acidity, moisture, and chemical exposure can accelerate corrosion, weakening the pipe structure and leading to cracks. Regular inspections can help identify corrosion early and prevent further damage.

Blockages

Blockages caused by grease buildup, flushable wipes, foreign objects, or tree roots can increase pressure within sewer pipes, leading to cracks. When wastewater cannot flow freely, it creates stress on the pipe walls, which can ultimately result in damage.

Groundwater Pressure

In areas with high groundwater levels, the pressure from surrounding soil and water can impact sewer pipes. Excessive groundwater pressure can lead to cracks and even cause pipes to collapse if they are not designed to withstand such forces.

Consequences of Cracked Sewer Pipes

Cracked sewer pipes can lead to a range of issues, including:

  • Leaks: Wastewater can leak into the surrounding soil, potentially contaminating groundwater and harming local ecosystems.
  • Odors: Cracks can allow sewer gases to escape, leading to unpleasant odors inside and outside your home.
  • Blockages: Cracks can attract debris and roots, leading to clogs that can back up the entire plumbing system.
  • Costly Repairs: Sewer backups lead to black water floods which can be costly, and wreak havoc on your home, destroying personal contents and your structure. Always consult a water damage restoration specialist when dealing with sewer backups.

Preventive Measures

To minimize the risk of cracked sewer pipes, homeowners should consider the following preventive measures:

  • Regular Inspections: Schedule periodic plumbing inspections to identify potential issues before they escalate.
  • Proper Landscaping: Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near sewer lines, as roots can infiltrate and damage pipes.
  • Maintain Drainage: Ensure proper drainage around your property to reduce soil movement and erosion.
  • Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners: These can corrode pipes over time, leading to weakened structures.

Understanding why sewer pipes crack is essential for every homeowner. By being aware of the causes and taking preventive measures, you can help ensure the longevity of your plumbing system and avoid the costly consequences of sewer pipe damage. If you suspect a problem with your sewer pipes, don’t hesitate to contact a professional plumber for an inspection and repair. If you have a sewer backup that has caused flooding, this type of loss should be handled by a water damage restoration professional, as the water itself is highly contaminated.

Does a Finished Basement Add Value?

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When considering ways to boost your home’s value, basement finishing often comes up as a potential upgrade. Transforming an unfinished or partially finished basement into a fully functional living space can offer numerous benefits. But how exactly does finishing your basement impact your property’s value? Let’s explore the key factors and benefits of basement finishing, and understand its potential return on investment.

What is Basement Finishing?

Basement finishing involves converting an unfinished basement into a livable space. This process typically includes installing drywall, flooring, lighting, and other essential features to make the area usable. Popular basement finishing ideas include adding extra bedrooms, creating a home office, establishing an entertainment room, or even designing a rental unit.

How Basement Finishing Can Increase Home Value

  1. Increased Usable Square Footage: One of the most significant advantages of basement finishing is the increase in usable square footage. This additional space can enhance your home’s value by making it more attractive to potential buyers. More square footage often translates into a higher home appraisal and increased selling price.
  2. Enhanced Home Functionality: A finished basement adds valuable functionality to your home. Whether you choose to create an extra bedroom, a playroom, or a dedicated home office, these improvements can make your property more versatile. The enhanced functionality can appeal to a wider range of buyers, potentially increasing your home’s market value.
  3. Potential Rental Income: Converting a finished basement into a separate rental unit can provide a source of passive income. In areas with high rental demand, this feature can be particularly appealing. The potential for rental income can significantly boost the overall value of your home, although it’s essential to check local zoning laws and regulations before pursuing this option.
  4. Increased Market Appeal: A professionally finished basement can enhance your home’s appeal to potential buyers. Move-in-ready spaces are highly desirable, and a well-executed basement finish can be a key selling point. However, the impact on value can vary depending on current market trends and buyer preferences in your region.
  5. Return on Investment (ROI): The return on investment for basement finishing can be substantial, though it varies. On average, homeowners can expect to recover a significant portion of their investment. Factors such as the quality of the finish, the real estate market, and the specific characteristics of your home influence the ROI. High-quality finishes and professional craftsmanship generally result in better returns.

Key Factors to Consider

  1. Cost vs. Value: Basement finishing can be a considerable investment. Costs may range from a few thousand dollars for basic updates to tens of thousands for high-end renovations. Weighing the potential increase in home value against the renovation costs is crucial. Consulting with a real estate agent or appraiser can provide insights into how much value a finished basement may add in your local market.
  2. Quality of Work: The quality of the basement finishing plays a critical role in determining its impact on home value. High-quality materials and professional installation will likely yield better returns compared to a DIY approach or substandard work.
  3. Local Real Estate Market: The value added by a finished basement varies based on your local real estate market. In some areas, finished basements are highly desirable, while in others, they may have a more modest impact. Understanding local market trends can help you gauge the potential value added by basement finishing.
  4. Condition of Your Home: If your home is in good condition and the basement is underutilized, finishing it can offer a good return on investment. However, if your basement is prone to water damage and thusly mold, you’ll need to take preventive measure to avoid such problems after the basement is finished, If the basement is finished, then having water damage and mold issues will only ruin the basement and increase the cost for water damage restoration and/or mold remediation.

Conclusion

Finishing your basement can be a valuable investment, enhancing both functionality and market value. While a finished basement generally improves your home’s appeal and can increase resale value, the exact return on investment will depend on factors such as the quality of the work, your local real estate market, and your home’s overall condition. And offering an added space, albeit free from the usual basement issues that can arise like water damage and mold, can add your home’s value and quality of life as you enjoy the finished space.

Condensation on Duct Work

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Condensation occurs when air is cooled below its dew point temperature. The study of air containing moisture (or plain old air as we know it) is called psychrometrics (pronounced si-crow-met-ricks), and deals with the relationships between temperature, relative humidity, absolute humidity, dew point and several other properties of the air/moisture mixture. A basic psychrometric relationship is that air can only hold so much moisture at a certain temperature. When the air is full of moisture, the relative humidity is 100%. When the air contains half as much moisture as is can at a temperature, the air is at 50% relative humidity. The next relationship is that if you cool the air, the relative humidity increases. (Cool air can’t hold as much moisture as warm air) At some point, the air becomes saturated. Cooling it any further causes condensation. This is the dew point.

So how does this relate to sweating ducts? Air conditioners make air cold. The cold air is forced through ducts. As a result, the outside surface of the ducts is cooled. If the air outside the ducts is humid enough, condensation will form on the ducts. The colder the air in the ducts and the more humid the air around the ducts, the more chance of forming condensation. Note that sweating ducts has nothing to do with moisture in the air inside the ducts. Solutions to sweating ducts involve 1) warming the surface, and 2) drying the air around the ducts. Insulation is added to the exterior of ducts to help warm the duct surface. The insulation should be enclosed in a vapor barrier to keep moisture from moving through the insulation itself. Joints in the ducts, insulation and vapor barrier should be sealed. The insulation and vapor barrier should extend completely to the registers, or condensation can form on the exposed ends.

If the ducts are in a crawlspace, a complete vapor barrier on the soil is an essential first step. Increasing crawlspace ventilation may help in some parts of the country, but be careful because increasing ventilation in other areas can actually increase the condensation. In basements and crawlspaces, sometimes adding a dehumidifier is necessary. Most duct condensation issues I have seen are the result of problems with duct insulation. In some cases, fixing the insulation solves the problem. Adding insulation typically does not solve the problem. In cases where the insulation is in good shape, crawlspaces and basements have been wet, or ducts have been pressed together.

When is the air conditioner at fault? Some newer air conditioning systems and controls actually make the air inside the ducts colder. This is an attempt by the manufacturer to help make the air in the house dryer, but often causes more condensation on the outside of ducts. Dirty filters can restrict air flow through the system, resulting in colder air. This is the easiest one to deal with: keep your filters clean. Otherwise, make sure the duct insulation and vapor barrier are continuous, contiguous and complete. And keep the air around ducts dry by covering exposed soil in crawlspaces, keeping ducts apart, and reducing other moisture sources in the air as much as possible.