Which Option Works Best for Keeping Sidewalks and Driveways Hazard Free?

While a White Christmas seemed far off this week, it is inevitable that more of the white stuff will be on its way come January. As far as snow goes, shoveling, and plowing are pretty straightforward methods of removal. But one question that I get asked all the time is how to choose the right melting agent to make snow and ice disappear from sidewalks and driveways. 

Snow melting agents generally come in two forms - traditional rock salt, also known as sodium chloride, and calcium chloride, which is the same compound used in sports drinks. While they sound similar, the two are actually quite different and each has its advantages and drawbacks. Sodium chloride, or rock salt, is a dry material that’s mined and applied to pavement using a walk-behind spreader or a commercial spreader mounted on a truck. Sodium chloride is activated by moisture and will begin to melt the snow when it gets wet. The problem with sodium chloride is that because it’s activated by water, it doesn’t work well if the temperature is below 15 degrees.  However, if temperatures are above 15 degrees, sodium chloride can be a good, inexpensive choice that will take longer to melt but will keep your walkways dry. If you have vegetation or animals, take note that sodium chloride will be harmful to plants and can hurt animals if ingested.

When temperatures dip below 15 degrees, calcium chloride is going to be your best bet. This liquid agent is sprayed onto the pavement and works instantly to melt snow and ice. In fact, calcium chloride can melt snow up to eight times faster than traditional rock salt alone. Of course, there are a few downsides to consider. Calcium chloride gets hot fast, so while its effective short term, it might not be able to do the full job in a huge storm. It’s also more expensive than traditional rock salt and stays wet, which can lead to slippery surfaces. On the plus side, it’s non-corrosive and won’t harm vegetation, although you’ll still want to keep your pets away from it. If in doubt, look for a calcium chloride pre-mixed with salt or abrasives to melt snow quickly while reducing the risk of creating a slippery surface.

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you have a fantastic start to 2020.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ice Dam Removal is Key for a Leak-Free Roof

The kind of weather we’re having can create some messy challenges for homeowners. Snowfall followed by freezing rain and sleet makes icy conditions on sidewalks, in your driveway, and worst of all - on your roof. The culmination of wintry build-up is one of the most dangerous hazards for a home because although icicles look pretty, the ice dams creating them can result in major leaks in your ceiling and interior walls.

An ice dam forms when heavy snow blankets the roof, forming an extra layer of insulation. As warm air rises from your house and up through your attic, it causes the layer of snow closest to the roof to melt and the water to slide down into the gutters. This would normally be a good thing, but because so many homes in our area aren’t properly insulated, what often happens is that the melting water hits the cold eaves of the roof, freezing again instead of draining off through the gutters. This forms an ice blockage. As that ice grows and grows, the water has nowhere to go so it starts to move under your roof shingles and eventually into your insulation and drywall. This is when you’ll start to see the leaks in your ceiling and walls.

The best way to avoid this problem is by taking preventative measures. I get calls from homeowners to remove ice dams after every winter storm, and for many, it is too late and they are already facing thousands of dollars worth of damage. But if you’re lucky enough to catch an ice dam before it fully forms, it’s a smart idea to get rid of it as quickly as possible.

Firstly, when you’re clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks, think about your roof too. Removing snow from the house is the best way to protect your home against ice melting and refreezing in the gutters and up the roof. If you already have an ice dam forming, you can use a hammer and chisel to get rid of it, but be very careful as roof shingles are more delicate and brittle in cold conditions. One safe home remedy is to fill a pair of pantyhose with ice melt and lay it across the ice dam so the water will melt into the gutter. If you’re not comfortable on a ladder, call a professional to help you get rid of the ice dam quickly and safely.

These, of course, are just stop-gap measures. The only way to prevent ice dams from forming permanently is to have your home properly insulated and ventilated. More than 75% of homes in our area are under-insulated which causes the heat from your home to shoot right through the roof. Having appropriate insulation and ventilation will keep your home free from ice dams and will keep you much more comfortable in both the winter and the summer. You’ll feel the difference immediately, and you’ll see the benefit in your energy bills too. 

To all of my readers, may you have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season. I look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.

Ice Dams From Early Snow Can Cause Major Problems All Winter

Early snow, a quick warm-up, and an immediate deep freeze had my phone ringing off the hook this week with requests for roof leak repairs. Ice dams are building up on people’s homes and causing big-time damage, which is a major headache right before the holidays. 

Are you scratching your head? Let me give you some background. An ice dam forms when heat from inside your home causes snow on your roof to melt. That melting water begins trickling down towards your gutters, which sounds like a good thing, except that in many homes, the temperature at the top and bottom of the roof is so different that the water refreezes at the gutter line, causing a mass of ice. When the water has nowhere else to go, it continues to expand, pulling up shingles and seeping underneath the roof. 

Why do so many homes have such a variation in temperature between the top and bottom of their roof? We all know that heat rises and when your house isn’t properly insulated or ventilated, the heat from the living areas of your home rise into the attic, hitting the highest temperatures in the very peak of the roof. So it’s no surprise that snow begins to melt at the highest point, where the temperature can easily rise to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or melting point. As the water makes its way down the roof, the temperature decreases; enabling the water to refreeze by the time it finds its way to your gutters. As that water builds up, it begins to form an ice dam. 

Have you ever seen a house with big beautiful icicles hanging from the roof? Those icicles aren’t just a pretty bi-product of winter weather; they are a sure-fire sign that an ice dam is forming. Ice dams can be a real problem, especially in older homes that aren’t properly insulated and ventilated. As the water builds up, it can leak into the house and cause damage to the walls, ceilings, insulation, and other areas. Additionally, an ice dam that is melting can channel water down into the foundation, which can cause leaks and mold formation in the basement. 

Worried about ice dams damaging your house? Next week, we’ll talk about ways to temporarily fix them, and what you can do to ensure they don’t pop up again next winter. 

Bob O'Donnell is the owner of O'Donnell Bros, Inc., a Bristol-based home improvement company established in 1975. Email your questions for Bob to info@odonnellbros.com with the subject line “Ask the Pro”. All questions may be considered for publication. To contact Bob for your remodeling needs, call O'Donnell Bros, Inc. at (860) 589-5155 or visit www.odonnellbros.com. Advice is for guidance only.