There are many wonderful things about a big winter in Lake Tahoe! More snow means fantastic skiing well into spring. A high snowpack helps prevent drought. And Tahoe looks stunning blanketed in snow. Yes we love a big winter!
But a big winter also brings maintenance issues that homeowners don’t have to think about during normal, or below normal, snowfall years. Here are three of these maintenance issues, and some tips on what to look for.
Snow on the roof is too heavy
You might need to have your roof shoveled during a heavy snowfall year. During the winter of 2016-2017, several homes and other structures collapsed from very heavy snow loads, and many more suffered costly damage. Shoveling roofs loaded with snow and ice is hard and dangerous work, so the bill could substantial (think $2000 to $5000 range). But the costs involved in dealing with a collapsed roof and other damage to you home will be much more.
Signs to watch out for… If you notice any of these things, consider having your roof cleared:
Doors are hard to open or close, or won’t latch
Sliding doors are hard to open/close.
Cracks in your drywall or ceiling beams (this is serious)
Snow on decks is too heavy
Decks need to be cleared of snow even if you’re not using them during the winter. Decks can only hold so much weight, and they will pull away from the house and collapse with enough snow build up. This is even worse than it sounds, as the strain of the weight pulling on the house can also cause structural damage to the home itself. So you might be rebuilding more than just your deck.
Ice dams can cause water damage
An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms on a roof and prevents melting snow (water) from draining off the roof. If the water can’t drain off the roof, it’s going to find its way into the home.
Some homeowners install heat tape around the edge of their roofs to help prevent ice dams. But if one should form, it’s a good idea to have it removed.
Tahoe is a special place, but homes here do need a little extra attention. Sadly, we’ve seen roofs collapse and decks fall right off of homes that weren’t being cared for. If you don’t live in Tahoe, we highly recommend that you have someone you trust check your home regularly.
NOTE: Your insurance company may consider snow removal to be necessary maintenance on your part. That means insurance may not pay if your home is damaged. We recommend reading your policy carefully and consulting with your insurance company.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need a local contact. We’re always happy to help.