AAA Chicago Cautions Homeowners About Ice Dams

AURORA, Ill., Jan. 30, 2004 -- During the recent cold weather and heavy snowstorms, AAA Chicago urges homeowners to be on the lookout for ice dams. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on the edge of the roof typically following heavy snow and extreme cold. This ridge of ice prevents melted snow from properly draining off the roof. Water can become trapped on the roof and may leak from the underside of the shingle into the home causing interior water damage.

"Heavy or accumulated snow should be removed with a roof rake before it has time to form into ice," said Brad Roeber, Field Vice President, Auto Club Insurance Association. "It's best to make snow removal from the roof a routine part of winter chores versus waiting until accumulation become serious."

To prevent ice dams, homes should be properly insulated and ventilated in the roof and attic areas. In addition, correctly installed soffit and attic vents may help properly ventilate the roof. Another way to ward off an ice dam is to place sodium chloride into hosiery nylons, tying them off like a balloon, and simply placing them in areas of the gutter known to accumulate ice.

For more information on home safety tips, visit www.aaa.com .

AAA Chicago offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services. It is part of The Auto Club Group (ACG), the largest affiliation of AAA clubs in the Midwest, with 4.1 million members in eight states. ACG clubs belong to the national AAA federation, a not-for-profit organization, with more than 46 million members in the United States and Canada.