Ice Dams Part II

Last week was a real blow to our wallets. On Friday, I posted about our difficulties with ice dams on our roof. In addition to that unexpected expense, our van spent the week in the shop. It was touch and go all week as we prepared to buy a new van. Ours has over 203,000 miles on it. I was not kidding when I said that we are not people who rush out to buy new things. After assessing the roof situation and weighing the pros and cons of buying a newer van right now, we opted to repair it one more time. I have said those words many times. It is possible that I will say them again. I make no promises.

As far as the roof goes, three workmen came over and worked for four hours. They chipped ice off the roof while precariously perched on the top of 22 foot ladders. It was a 10 degree day. I have added Ice Dam Chipper to my list of least desirable jobs. I think it even moves ahead of Summertime Road Construction Worker in the blazing hot Southwest.

The workers were able to complete two full sides in the four hours. The total bill was…$950. Not cheap. I am calling to schedule the other two sides today. Right now, the leaking in the kitchen window has slowed, but on the side of the house that still has ice dams, we have new leaks in the library windows. We are using disposable diapers to catch the drips. We have all made jokes about it being time to change the window diapers. I find it amusing that we raised our babies with cloth diapers, and now we are buying disposables.

We are keeping up with new snow by using these roof melt tablets. Andy also bought a roof rake. He can almost reach the edges of the high roof. I cannot. The roof rake will work quite well for our lower roof portions. We are having moderate success, but I am resigned to the fact that we may have to have the chipping done more than once this winter. We do not expect temperatures above freezing for another month or more. Yes, you read that correctly.

I just took this photo. Those icicles formed over the weekend. Sigh.

There is a winter storm warning in effect until tomorrow morning. All we can do is hunker down and dream of spring.